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Lakeway panel approves special use permit for Hornet Capital hangar with restrictions after neighbors raise safety concerns
Summary
The Lakeway Zoning and Planning Commission approved a special use permit 4-1 allowing Hornet Capital to operate an office in a hangar at 2910 Lakeway Boulevard, with conditions limiting employee/visitor access to the gate on Lakeway Boulevard, banning commercial signage and commercial events, and making the permit a one‑year trial.
The Lakeway Zoning and Planning Commission on Sept. 11 approved a special use permit (SUP) allowing Hornet Capital to operate an office within a hangar at 2910 Lakeway Boulevard, but attached conditions intended to limit traffic and commercial activity on the airpark.
Brian Whitten, who identified himself as the owner/applicant, told the commission his financial office has no customer traffic, typically has two to three people working on site, and that prior owners used the existing office with no neighbor complaints. Whitten said he occasionally hosts three or four private events a year lasting a few hours and carries commercial liability insurance.
Residents who spoke during the item’s public comment period objected on safety and compatibility grounds. Charles (Chuck) Scott said using a hangar office and holding events “will inevitably lead to a significant increase in ground vehicles” on taxiways and runways and called the proposed use incompatible with the airpark’s aviation purpose. Lynn Fisher and other neighbors said prior events drew complaints and that the airpark’s design is intended for aircraft operations, not commercial gatherings.
Commissioners discussed enforceability and limits. Staff and commissioners noted that typical city codes (noise, parking and signage) apply and that the airpark has private covenants and operational rules that the city does not enforce. Commissioners emphasized restricting ingress/egress to reduce cars traveling through residential streets.
The commission’s motion — which included the amendment that employee and visitor traffic must use the Lakeway Boulevard gate, that the gate remain closed at other times, that no commercial signage be allowed on the property, and that no commercial events be conducted — also set the SUP term at one year for review if no complaints are received. The motion passed 4-1.
The city’s action is a recommendation to City Council; the SUP forwarded by the commission will be included in the council packet for final action and any additional conditions or clarifications.
Commissioners and staff said compliance will be monitored through the city’s code enforcement processes; private deed restrictions or airpark covenants are separate matters that neighbors may pursue through private avenues.
