Commission approves rezoning for 12.6-acre site to allow martial-arts center and future commercial development

The Leander Planning and Zoning Commission on a unanimous voice vote approved zoning case Z-25-0176 to change three parcels totaling 12.595 acres from interim single-family designations to GC-2C general commercial.

The change covers Williamson Central Appraisal District parcels R343706, R343707 and R343708, generally southeast of U.S. 183A and East Woodview Drive. The applicant said two of the parcels (Lots 2 and 3) will be developed for Peak Performance Training Center and Lot 4 is intended for future commercial uses.

Staff described the request as the first step in the zoning process, saying the proposed GC-2C zoning aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan designation of a “multi-use corridor” on a priority corridor and is compatible with surrounding uses, including Life Church to the north and nearby apartments and townhomes. Staff also noted the agent completed the neighborhood outreach required by city procedures and that one homeowners association — the Stewart Crossing subdivision HOA — and the Park at Crystal Falls apartments were notified; staff reported no specific zoning-related concerns were submitted to revise the request.

Applicant Gary Shill, who identified himself as owner of Peak Performance Training Center, told commissioners he and his wife have operated a school in Cedar Park since 1997 and have purchased the Leander property to build a larger facility. "We've purchased the land already in the process of developing the land to give us a synergistic feel for kids and families inside of that," Shill said. He said the planned facility would be roughly 23,000 square feet and that his programs serve children as young as 3 through adults, including after-school pickups from nearby schools.

Commissioners discussed architectural standards and zoning intensity. Staff clarified the applicant requested a "type 2" site component to limit certain high-intensity uses (for example, to indicate they were not seeking a gas station), and one commissioner said making the site more restrictive than requested would be unnecessary. Several commissioners said GC-2C is appropriate given the site's visibility along the highway and surrounding commercial development.

Commissioner Landry moved to approve the zoning change; Commissioner Mahan seconded. The commission chair called for the vote, asked "All those in favor?" and the motion passed.

The commission's action is a zoning decision only; the staff presentation noted this is the zoning step and that the applicant will need to pursue subsequent site-development approvals, site plans and permits before construction could begin.