Commission approves design exception for Learning Experience site plan on Aviation Way

The McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday approved a design exception for a site plan at 1900 Aviation Way that reduces the residential adjacency buffer for off-street parking from 20 feet to 15 feet.

Stuart (planner) described the request as a reduction to allow a unified, continuous landscape along the boundary of a commercial parcel that shares edges with residential lots. "The reduction is proposed to establish a unified and continuous landscape along the boundary with properties to the west and to the east," Stuart said. The applicant proposed a 10-foot landscape buffer with canopy trees every 40 feet and a 6-foot masonry wall.

Stuart told the commission that both the properties to the east and west had previously been approved for similar reductions and that the requested 15-foot buffer is consistent across the commercial development. Claymore Engineering's Drew Danoski, representing the applicant, said the development is cohesive with the PD and that the PD included residential to the south; he confirmed the 15-foot buffer is consistent across the commercial parcels.

A motion was made by Commissioner Deidre to close the public hearing and approve the design exception; Commissioner James seconded. The motion passed 7–0. The action is final and will not be forwarded to City Council.

Staff found the proposed design exception satisfied applicable criteria because the applicant will meet all other landscaping and screening requirements and the measure will enhance visual consistency along the property line.