Council approves rezoning of 1446 Trout Street to allow storage for Alliance (Lions) Court properties

The Wichita Falls City Council approved an ordinance at its Feb. 4 meeting to rezone 1446 Trout Street from single‑family (SF‑2) to Residential Mixed‑Use and to amend the land‑use plan from low‑density to high‑density residential, clearing the way for a storage facility to serve Lions (Alliance) Court apartments.

City staff and the applicant said the lot—about three‑quarters of an acre where an old house has been demolished—was purchased to expand resident amenities such as pool and storage for the apartment community. Terry Floyd of the city’s Development Services told council the planning commission had recommended approval and staff supported the rezone and land‑use amendment.

Several nearby residents spoke at the public hearing. Jessie Lanier, who lives at 1451 Trout, said she feared increased traffic at the front of the property and asked that any storage facility be placed toward the rear and be gated to reduce access from Trout Street. Beverly Ellis and other residents asked that access and drive location be planned to reduce traffic on Trout and Thompson streets.

Representatives of Lions (Alliance) Court said the facility would primarily be used by the apartment property (they estimated roughly 60% for on‑site uses) and would be set back from Trout Street, fenced and alarmed. The applicant said they plan two entrance points—one from Trout Street and one from the internal parking area—and that the storage units would be used mainly by residents but could be available to family members if needed. Police Chief noted the property has seen far fewer calls since the apartment complex was redeveloped and said storage buildings are sometimes targeted for break‑ins but are not typically the same pattern as burglaries of private residences.

Council members and staff said site‑plan review will address fencing, setback, parking, screening and final access, and that typical code requirements (fencing, paving, and driveway standards) apply at the permitting stage. The council closed the public hearing, took a motion and approved the ordinance by voice vote.

Why it matters: The rezoning allows the apartment owner to add resident amenities and storage capacity on a vacant lot adjacent to a multifamily complex. Neighbors sought assurances about placement, screening, fencing and access to limit traffic and perceived crime impacts; staff said these are addressed later in site plan review and building permit requirements.

Next steps: Applicant will submit site plans and permits; city staff will review access, traffic and fence/screening plans during site plan review and require code compliance before construction.