Planning commission approves Town Square permit for Southlake Hispanic Heritage Celebration

The Southlake Planning and Zoning Commission on June 5 recommended approval of a one-year Specific Use Permit for the Southlake Hispanic Heritage Celebration, a one-day mass-gathering event proposed for Southlake Town Square.

Staff described the proposal as a Sept. 27 event at Ruston and Family Park in Town Square, with set‑up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., an event window from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and two hours for cleanup. The applicant estimated 3,000–5,000 attendees and said the event would include vendor booths, sponsor tents, a stage at the gazebo, food trucks, a kids’ zone and a market. The plan shows portable restrooms in the public right-of-way and directional signage across the site.

The commission’s recommendation to approve referenced the staff report dated May 30, 2025, and the Specific Use Permit review summary number 2 dated May 30, 2025, and included an explicit option for the applicant to discuss moving barricades and repositioning portable restrooms with Kite Realty. After the motion, the commission chair announced the item carried 4-0 and that the case will proceed to city council.

Applicant Viti Barker, speaking for the nonprofit sponsor, told commissioners that the organization tried to avoid using two sidewalk squares for restroom placement to save about $1,500 but said she would place the units in the city right-of-way if that was preferred. Barker said she had already contacted Kite Realty and that Kite indicated it would be willing to cooperate if the applicant chose that option.

No surrounding property owners submitted written responses to staff. No members of the public spoke during the required public hearing.

The commission record shows the approval recommendation includes the staff‑recommended conditions and the added option for the applicant to reach agreement with Kite Realty on barricade and porta‑potty locations before the item goes to council.