The Navasota Planning Commission approved a zoning change to reclassify 9314 Interstate Drive from Agricultural Open Space (AO) to M-1 Light Industrial to allow operation of a vehicle-sales use, the applicant and staff said at the public hearing.

City staff summarized that the parcel had been annexed into the city in January and therefore received an automatic AO zoning designation on annexation; the applicant requested M-1 to align the parcel with the city’s industrial park and the proposed use. Staff said the site plan and building code review will be handled by the building official if the zoning change is approved and that industrial districts typically carry fewer exterior site landscaping requirements.

Applicant Nicholas Harmon, who identified himself as owner of Trailers of Texas, described the business as a dealer of new and used tank trailers (the large trailers used to transport fuel and similar products). Harmon said most recently he typically keeps 10–15 trailers on site at a time, that the trailers are washed before arrival so no hazardous materials are stored on the lot, and that he plans to operate from an existing building with a gravel yard. Harmon said the business currently has three employees and that he expects to collect inventory and sales tax as a local revenue source.

Harmon described planned business hours of roughly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noted that state dealer rules require dealers to be open a minimum of four consecutive hours per day. On-site circulation could be improved, Harmon said, but the existing drive and gravel surface are serviceable for his equipment.

Commissioner Dehen moved to approve the zoning change application submitted by Don Parkinson (application filed on behalf of the property owner) to change the property from AO to M-1; Commissioner Todd seconded. The motion carried by voice vote with no opposition recorded.

Staff indicated the applicant will work with the building official on code and permitting requirements now that the property is in city limits.