Commission approves alternative architectural standards for Huffines Lewisville property along I‑35E, 6–1

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6–1 on Tuesday to recommend approval of three alternative architectural standards for a proposed parts storage building on a subdivided portion of the Huffines Chevrolet property in the I‑35E Corridor Overlay District (Case 25‑01‑1).

An applicant representative and staff told commissioners the site owner intends to subdivide about 1.13 acres adjacent to Bennett Lane and construct a parts storage building largely used for automotive parts. Because the property falls within the city’s I‑35 Core Overlay District — which carries some of the overlay’s highest development standards — the proposed building would normally be required to use 80% brick or stone on all façades for buildings under 50,000 square feet. The applicant requested alternatives for three façades, saying most of the building will not be visible from public right‑of‑way.

Staff explained the three requested alternative standards would allow concrete masonry unit (CMU) and other masonry rather than brick or stone at higher percentages than typical metal or tilt‑wall construction in the immediate area. Staff said they evaluate overlay exceptions by context and public‑facing visibility, noting the north façade along Bennett Lane will meet the required materials. "We're looking at the context and then the view from the public right of way," planning staff explained, noting CMU can be higher quality than metal buildings common nearby.

Commissioners discussed the scale of the reduction from the overlay’s usual 80% brick/stone requirement and asked why the standards proposed large percentage changes; staff said they have supported similar alternatives for comparable uses and emphasized the public‑facing elevation complies. After discussion, the commission approved the alternative standards. The item will go to City Council for a final decision at a regular hearing on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at 7 p.m.