Planning commission recommends approval of Summer Moon Coffee patio; three parking spaces to be converted

The City of Keller Planning and Zoning Commission on July 22 recommended approval of a site plan amendment to expand the outdoor patio for Summer Moon Coffee at 1004 Keller Parkway, Suite 104, forwarding the item to the City Council on Aug. 19.

City planning staff described the proposal as a conversion of three existing parking spaces along the west side of Building B in Keller Town Center into patio space with concrete planter boxes, a 30‑inch painted metal patio rail, and overhead string lights. "Per the UDC, site plans within Town Center must be approved by the city council after a recommendation from the planning and zoning commission," Miss Russell, city planning staff, told commissioners.

Staff said parking for the entire building was used for the calculation, not just the tenant space. The UDC parking requirement for a cafe is one space per 150 square feet of gross floor area; staff said that, when applied to the whole building, the site requires 52 regular spaces and three handicap spaces. After the conversion of three spots to patio area, staff said at least 56 spaces remain adjacent to the building.

The applicant, represented at the meeting, described patio amenities as planter boxes to meet landscaping requirements, patio furniture and lighting, and a fence to separate the outdoor seating. The staff presentation noted that potted planters may stand in for foundation planting adjacent to patio space under the UDC.

Unlike public hearings, site plan amendments in the Town Center district do not require separate public notice; the commission heard from one Summer Moon representative earlier in the meeting during the persons‑to‑be‑heard period who identified himself as present. Commissioners asked whether the parking analysis accounted for other tenants; staff confirmed the analysis covered the entire multi‑tenant building.

Commissioners expressed broad support for the expansion, saying the patio would add to Town Square’s environment. Commissioner Brinsinger moved to recommend approval and Commissioner Sandoval Cabanas seconded; the motion passed unanimously. The recommendation will be considered by the City Council on Aug. 19, at which point final approval is required for the patio to proceed.

If council approves the site plan amendment, the applicant will proceed with the permit process and with implementation of the planter boxes, fence, and lighting as shown in the submitted site plan.