Commission rejects rezone request for Wagon Trail and Cantu after neighbors raise flooding and traffic concerns

Pearland’s Planning and Zoning Commission on June 16 rejected a rezoning request that would have changed a 0.233-acre lot at the southeast corner of Wagon Trail Road and Cantu Street from single-family R-2 to R-4, a zoning classification that allows a two-family dwelling by conditional use permit.

Staff presented the application and recommended approval, saying the requested R-4 district “meets this criterion” of the comprehensive plan’s traditional residential place type and that the lot can support a two-family dwelling with required parking and lot coverage standards. Steph, a city planner, told the commission staff found the request met applicable criteria and recommended approval.

The applicant’s representative, Al Grama, said the owner intends to build a duplex to house an extended family and that the team is prepared to design frontage and waterline improvements. “They’re ready and willing and actually are … about to be under contract to start design of infrastructure improvements in front of this tract,” Grama said.

Neighbors submitted a 29-signature petition opposing the rezoning and several residents spoke in opposition at the meeting. Lisa Cuevas said, “I oppose the change. It was already zoned R-2, and it should stay like that.” Neighbor Yolanda Gardner told commissioners she opposes the change because of drainage history in the neighborhood and the risk that additional impervious cover would worsen flooding. Thomas Severson and other residents raised parking, traffic and safety concerns associated with additional dwelling units and curbside parking.

Commissioners questioned what a future conditional use permit would allow. Staff clarified a CUP for a two-family dwelling would permit only two dwelling units on a single lot and would require four parking spaces and compliance with R-4 lot coverage and height rules. Staff also noted that an R-4 designation could permit a duplex that is made condominium in ownership through separate legal tools, but would not circumvent city subdivision regulations.

Commissioner Haskins moved to approve the rezone; Commissioner Henrich seconded. After discussion and public comment, the motion failed on a 3-2 vote (commission recorded result: 3 in favor, 2 opposed; the chair declared the motion failed), and the request was denied by the commission.

Because the vote was a commission recommendation, the applicant may pursue a future application or appeal to city council. The transcript records the neighborhood’s opposition and concerns about stormwater, impervious cover and neighborhood character as the central reasons for denial.