Universal City Council approves EDC reimbursements, updates vendor and gaming rules; denies Park Lane duplex

Universal City City Council on Oct. 21 approved two Economic Development Corporation (EDC) reimbursements, updated multiple ordinances governing temporary food vendors and amusement/coin-operated machines, granted a specific-use permit for a Valvoline Instant Oil Change at 460 Kitty Hawk and declined a request to allow a duplex at 237 Park Lane.

The council voted to ratify an EDC decision to reimburse the owner of Randolph Plaza Shopping Center up to $35,000 for a full replacement of the tile awning/roof at the strip center. Council also approved EDC-funded public‑improvement work along Universal City Boulevard to support a proposed food‑truck park on a vacant parcel behind the ModWash; the EDC authorized up to $124,000 for sidewalk, driveway realignment, a fire hydrant and related work.

Council also acted on several ordinance updates intended to simplify permitting for recurring vendors and to tighten the city's stance on amusement/coin-operated machines. The council: - Adopted an amendment creating a single-year permit (fee $75) for vendors who wish to attend multiple city-sanctioned market events, replacing repeated 14‑day permits. Staff said the change was requested by local vendors and is designed to reduce administrative overhead and encourage recurring participation. - Adopted revisions to the city code to limit amusement redemption machines (machines that mix skill and chance) to a maximum of six per establishment (Council later clarified language to reflect six). The ordinance removes the old annual permit/application process and narrows locations to commercial districts as an accessory use to the principal business. Staff said the change reduces staff and legal time spent classifying machines while preserving the city's ability to address misuse. - Adopted an ordinance repealing an older coin‑operated machine code (examples: gumball machines) to rely on state regulation and simplify local code enforcement. - Adopted a consolidated fees ordinance to reflect the code changes above.

On land‑use items: after a public hearing and a 3–2 vote (with one recusal recorded), the council granted a specific‑use permit to Valvoline Instant Oil Change for a 1,800‑square‑foot, one‑story oil‑change facility at 460 Kitty Hawk; the permit limits use to oil changes (no full-service repair) and ties the approval to the applicant, so a future operator would need a new council approval. Council discussion referenced the site's proximity to Randolph Air Force Base flight‑path zones and that some uses are discouraged by the Air Force; staff said the Air Force reviewed and approved this proposal.

The council declined a requested specific‑use permit and ordinance change that would have allowed a duplex on a vacant 7,800‑square‑foot lot at 237 Park Lane. Neighbors and several council members said the two‑unit project does not fit the established single‑family character of the block. The applicant said units would be about 1,000 square feet with two‑car garages; the applicant offered to consider a single‑story design but neighbors remained opposed. The motion to approve the duplex failed.

Votes at a glance (key items): - Randolph Plaza awning reimbursement (EDC): Approved. EDC reimbursement $35,000 (owner to complete work and submit for reimbursement). (Action: resolution; staff: Michael). - Universal City Boulevard public improvements (EDC) to support food‑truck park: Approved. EDC grant up to $124,000 (includes 10% contingency). Improvements include a 6‑ft sidewalk gap fill, a new fire hydrant, driveway reconfiguration, and parking adjustments. (Action: resolution; staff: Michael). - Valvoline Instant Oil Change — Specific Use Permit (460 Kitty Hawk): Approved (motion carried 3–2; one council member recused). Use limited to oil changes; one‑story, ~1,800 sq ft building; Planning & Zoning recommended approval 8–0. - Duplex at 237 Park Lane — Specific Use Permit/Ordinance: Denied. Applicant proposed a two‑unit duplex on a 7,800 sq ft lot; neighbors and council cited incompatibility with single‑family block. - Multi‑event temporary food license (fee change; one annual permit $75): Approved. Consolidates recurring vendor permits to reduce cost and administrative burden. - Amusement redemption machine update (limit machines): Approved (council clarified language to allow six machines per location). Code narrows locations to accessory use in commercial districts and removes the prior annual permit/application step. - Deletion of coin‑operated machine ordinance: Approved. City will follow state regulation for coin‑operated machines. - Fees ordinance conforming to the above changes: Approved.

Why this matters: the actions combine short‑term economic development tools (EDC reimbursements and public improvements) with code changes that staff said will reduce ongoing administrative and legal overhead for recurring vendors and gaming‑machine classification. The Valvoline decision and the denial of the Park Lane duplex reflect council efforts to balance property development and local land‑use character.

Council and staff noted next steps: the food‑truck park still requires a site agreement with the city; the EDC-funded public improvements are timed to support that possible development. Staff said they will return with final design and cost details where needed.