Fulshear planning panel recommends CDO changes to allow apartments in commercial zones, limits digital signs to public schools

The Fulshear Planning and Zoning Commission on June 6 recommended approval of ordinance 2025-1495, which amends Chapter 28 (the Coordinated Development Ordinance, or CDO) to update allowed uses and sign rules including (1) permitting apartments as a conditional use in the General Commercial district under several conditions and (2) restricting electronic message-board signs to public schools.

The vote came after public comment from Randolph Elementary parents and school volunteers urging the city to allow a digital marquee at the school, and a lengthy staff presentation describing proposed conditions that would apply when multifamily is allowed in general commercial areas.

City planning staff said the proposed amendment would add apartment uses to the General Commercial table of allowed uses and add conditions in section 28-2-16. Among the conditions listed by staff: the parcel must be subject to a development agreement executed before July 16, 2019; civic-orientation features and a minimum of 10% publicly accessible open space; clearly defined internal pedestrian circulation separated from vehicular lanes; a…