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Brookshire council approves variances to speed Ace Hardware development on FM 359
Summary
The council voted to approve a series of variances for an upcoming Ace Hardware on FM 359: a temporary waiver of replatting, a reduction in required parking from 100 to 46 spaces, and a landscaping variance tied to tree canopy requirements.
Brookshire City Council approved variances Oct. 16 to help an Ace Hardware franchise begin construction on property along FM 359.
City staff told council the developer asked for a temporary plat variance so the lots would not have to be combined immediately and for a parking‑lot variance reducing the city’s 100‑space requirement to 46 spaces. Staff said the developer must replat and meet final subdivision requirements before a certificate of occupancy is issued. Staff also said the project would not be allowed to reserve on‑street public parking for the store; the city may count existing public curbside spaces as partial credit but cannot dedicate public spots for a private business.
An Ace representative explained construction and funding deadlines tied to outside financing require work to begin by Dec. 1; staff and the developer said replatting and approvals at drainage and water districts could take several months if not expedited. The developer also requested a landscaping variance because seven parking spaces could not meet the city’s canopy‑tree radius requirement; the developer said removing one space to create a landscaped island would meet that single requirement but would reduce usable parking.
Council members voted to approve the variances so the project could meet the developer’s timeline. The motion passed by voice vote.
Staff said the developer will be required to replat the property and satisfy any outstanding drainage, water‑district and utility approvals before receiving a certificate of occupancy.
