Commissioners approve zoning, special-use permit for retreat center on FM 429

The Hunt County Commissioners Court approved a zoning change and a specific-use permit for a proposed wellness and retreat center called Swasti on roughly 10.73 acres along FM 429 near the county line with Kaufman County.

During a public hearing, an unnamed applicant described the proposal as a wellness and retreat center that would offer yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic treatments. The applicant said the site is currently “raw land” and that the development would include dining, treatment areas and small cabins for visitors. In response to a county planning question about wastewater, the applicant and county staff said the site will use an on-site septic system unless the developer can secure a sewer connection from the Sabine River Authority nearby.

Lake Tawakoni-area zoning commissioners had recommended approval. County staff said one neighbor appeared at the zoning hearing and raised concerns about seasonal shooting and hunting activity on adjacent properties; the applicant and planning staff said the specific-use permit and zoning conditions limit future commercial uses inconsistent with a retreat center.

The court voted to approve the zoning change and special-use permit by voice vote. No written traffic-study or fiscal-impact findings were presented during the hearing; staff noted the developer would work with sewer authorities and permitting agencies for utilities.

Ending

The applicant will work with county planning and utility authorities on septic or sewer connections, site engineering and required permits before submitting building and civil plans for review.