Council approves zoning change to allow expansion of Hamby substation; developer to install masonry screening
Summary
Council approved a plan‑development rezoning to allow Encore Electric to expand the Hamby substation onto an adjacent triangular parcel; the approval includes an 8‑foot masonry screening wall and height limits for electrical equipment.
The City Council unanimously approved on July 7 a rezoning and comprehensive‑plan amendment to allow Encore Electric Delivery Company to expand the existing Hamby electrical substation at Gross Road, the city’s planning director told council.
Adam Bailey, director of Planning and Development Services, described the request to change zoning from light commercial and R‑3 single‑family residential to a planned development light commercial district enabling a substation expansion on a roughly 2.3‑acre triangular parcel adjacent to the existing substation. Bailey said the comprehensive‑plan change reclassifies the site from parks/open space to a utilities designation more appropriate for infrastructure uses such as substations.
The PD includes development standards tailored to substation uses. Bailey said the maximum height for electrical equipment (not including transmission towers) would be 70 feet and that an 8‑foot masonry screen wall would be erected around the new expansion; a wrought‑iron gate would be specified for the entry. He said the proposal does not require the standard landscaping in the same way as other commercial sites but would require turf or existing vegetation or grama ground cover to be maintained around the exterior as a buffer.
Applicant representative Ashton Miller of Encore said the company would limit tree removal where feasible and avoid vegetation within the footprint of new transmission lines while preserving other vegetation when it does not affect required infrastructure. Miller told the council the expansion is intended to provide additional capacity and resiliency for electric distribution.
Council discussion noted area drainage and existing adjacent uses including retail, parks/open space and a religious institution; the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval with stipulations. Councilmember Tandy Burrows moved approval and the council voted unanimously to adopt the change and associated PD exhibits. The applicant will submit a site plan consistent with the PD and coordinate required screening and access.
