Council approves plat‑approval code change, two alternative standards for Walmart drone operations and cap on short‑term rental permits
Loading...
Summary
Lewisville City Council voted unanimously to (1) delegate plat approval authority to the planning director, (2) renew two alternative standards for a Walmart/Wing drone operation site, and (3) adopt a short‑term rental ordinance that caps active permits at 130 and closes the application process to manage neighborhood character.
The Lewisville City Council on Monday approved three separate land‑use and regulatory items in unanimous votes.
Lede: Council adopted an ordinance moving authority to approve plats where no variances are required from the council or planning and zoning commission to the planning director, approved two alternative standards for outdoor storage and screening at a Walmart drone site and adopted a short‑term rental (STR) ordinance that sets a maximum of 130 active STR permits for 2025.
Nut graf: Each action passed unanimously. Staff told the council the plat‑approval change is intended to increase administrative efficiency and align local practice with state law. The alternative standards concern outdoor storage location and fence material for a Walmart site used for drone delivery operations; the STR ordinance is part of a broader city plan to protect residential neighborhood character.
What the council voted
- Plat approval ordinance: Council approved an ordinance amending Volume 2 of the Lewisville City Code (the Unified Development Code) to delegate to the planning director the authority to approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove plats where no variances are requested. The ordinance clarifies appeal rights to the Planning and Zoning Commission and council. The planning and zoning commission had recommended unanimous approval. The motion to adopt passed unanimously, 6‑0.
- Alternative standards for Walmart/Wing (24‑11‑15‑ALT STD): The council approved two alternative standards previously granted for a temporary drone delivery operation and extended or renewed them pending staff work on supplemental unmanned aircraft systems standards. The two standards are: allowing outside storage in front of the principal building and allowing a black galvanized metal fence in lieu of a masonry wall or tubular steel fence. Planning staff recommended approval; the planning and zoning commission had recommended unanimous approval. The council vote was unanimous.
- Short‑term rental (STR) ordinance: Council adopted an ordinance adding subsections to Division 4 (Short Term Rental Units) of Article 6, Chapter 4 of the city code to (a) set a maximum number of active STR unit permits (130 for 2025), (b) provide for closure of the permit application process and priority for existing applications, and (c) implement the cap and related administrative measures. Staff said 130 represents roughly 0.5% of residential parcels in Lewisville. The Greater Lewisville Association of Realtors submitted an opposition comment; a resident urged staff to set lower caps to match enforcement capacity. Council approved the ordinance unanimously.
Votes and procedure notes
Each item passed by unanimous council vote. Public hearings were opened and closed where required, the planning director and city attorney read required ordinance language on the record, and staff confirmed planning and zoning commission recommendations prior to council action.
Ending
Council took no further action on other agenda items and recessed to closed session later in the evening on unrelated litigation and economic development negotiations. No votes were recorded from closed session at the meeting’s end.
