Planning panel fails to recommend rezoning for East University property after neighborhood objections

The Denton Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 13 declined to recommend a PD overlay rezoning for 0.74 acres north of East University, 240 feet west of Bell Avenue, after a public hearing that drew strong neighborhood opposition.

Ashley Eckstead, associate planner for the city, told the commission the applicant sought a PD overlay with R‑7–based development standards that would cap building size at 10,000 square feet, limit height to two stories, and cap the site at 18 residential units. Eckstead said the proposal would require a 30‑foot building setback from the Bell Avenue historic district and additional landscape buffering where multifamily development abuts single‑family zoning. Staff recommended approval and noted the plan complies with the Denton 2040 comprehensive plan’s neighborhood–university compatibility goals.

The applicant, represented by Lee Allison of Allison Engineering Group,…