Council approves land-use map amendment and rezoning for Dartmouth—s Harvey Mitchell parcel; residents cite drainage concerns

The City Council approved two related planning matters Thursday: an amendment to the comprehensive-plan future land-use map and a rezoning request for a 2.752-acre vacant parcel at the intersection of Harvey Mitchell Parkway South and Dartmouth Street.

Planning staff said the requested future land-use designation change from general commercial to urban residential is intended to allow multifamily housing forms, and the rezoning to a Planned Development District (base zoning MF multifamily) would permit single-unit dwellings on a common lot (a condominium-style arrangement) under a concept plan the applicant submitted. The proposal includes a density limitation of 6 units per acre and a maximum building height of 40 feet stated on the applicant—s concept plan; the Planned Development provides council and Planning and Zoning commission with discretion to apply conditions and design standards.

Residents and the Planning & Zoning Commission flagged stormwater concerns. "This area drains to Bee Creek," resident Cheryl Wenk said, showing photos of recent flooding; she requested the council consider the wider watershed before approving changes. Planning staff said drainage compliance will be evaluated at the site-plan stage; "a site plan must demonstrate no increase in peak flow," staff advised, and any required detention or storm-sewer upgrades would be reviewed and permitted as part of that process.

Planning and Zoning recommended the land-use change and rezoning (3—to— recommendation at the commission hearing); council voted unanimously to adopt the future land-use amendment and the PDD rezoning. Staff noted that the property is not yet platted and that engineering-level stormwater analysis will be required before building permits are issued.

What—s next: An applicant must submit a site plan and demonstrate compliance with the city—s drainage and engineering standards; council action on the rezoning does not approve a specific building permit or construction—those technical reviews occur at the site-plan and permitting stage.