Council green-lights 6758 Pass Road PDD for up to roughly 175 units; staff to review drainage and easement issues

Leon Valley City Council approved an amendment to an existing Planned Development (PD) at 6758 Pass Road on April 15, authorizing a proposed apartment-style development with an R-3 base zone. Planning staff presented two concept site plans that differ depending on whether a set of utility and drainage easements can be relocated or reconfigured; the council approved the rezoning and a package of related variances after hearing a short public comment period.

The application seeks flexibility on minimum lot-area and unit-size standards, a limited increase in building height to allow a rooftop level on some buildings, reduced setback and landscaping standards, and adjusted parking requirements that reflect a higher proportion of one-bedroom units. Planning staff recommended requiring that any engineering changes (including any reduction of the 54-foot drainage easement shown on the concept) be reviewed and approved by the city engineer during the platting stage; council concurred and attached the requirement as a condition.

Why it mattered: The property, located between commercial parcels and existing multifamily development, is constrained by existing CPS and SAWS utility easements and by a drainage easement. Staff said the lot’s depth and easement configuration make traditional retail or commercial redevelopment difficult, increasing the site’s suitability for residential development if engineering and utilities can be accommodated.

Council action and technical steps: Council approved the rezoning and voted on the requested variances (lot-size, unit floor area, setbacks, parking reductions, landscaping reductions) during the meeting. Where staff flagged technical concerns—especially the possibility of constructability issues if the drainage easement were narrowed—council conditioned approval on later engineering and platting confirmation. The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval on a 7–0 vote.

Public comment: Nearby business owners and residents raised traffic and parking concerns and asked that the city require adequate on-site parking and sight-line improvements. Developer Mohammad Shahadi said the design options were driven by the easement layout and that he would place detention underground and add parking and sidewalk connections; he proposed trimming a drainage easement to expand a recreational amenity (swimming pool) if engineering allows.

Next steps: If the developer secures any required easement changes and submits a final site and construction plans, staff will require a replat and a full engineering review including drainage and fire access. Council required that any unit-count increases beyond the approved plan return to the council for consideration.

Speakers quoted or paraphrased were drawn from the meeting transcript and include Planning & Zoning Director Susanna Huerta, developer Mohammad Shahadi, and several nearby residents and business owners who addressed the council at the public hearing.