Council approves two rezones: heavy-commercial parcels to residential and commercial upgrades along University Avenue

The council conducted a consolidated public hearing on two zoning cases and approved both requests.

For Zone Case 19-43-E (District 1) AMD Engineering LLC asked to rezone a currently vacant property south of North Loop 289 and west of Memphis Avenue from heavy commercial to medium-density residential. Planning staff reported the future land-use map designates the parcel for residential low-density uses and noted surrounding uses include multifamily to the south, east and northwest. Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval; the council voted unanimously to approve the rezoning.

For Zone Case 18-25-A (District 2) the applicant (Keller Williams Commercial for Pinkies Inc.) asked to rezone property north of 80th Street and east of University Avenue from neighborhood commercial and heavy commercial to auto-urban commercial. Staff said the future land-use designation is commercial, the parcel fronts principal arterials and surrounding land uses include commercial and medium-density residential. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval; the applicant indicated the likely tenant would be a drive-through oil-change business. Council received a small number of mailed responses — staff said one in favor and one opposed — and approved the rezoning unanimously.

Why this matters: approved rezonings change allowable uses and development form at these sites and implement the city’s future-land-use guidance. Staff said both requests were consistent with the future land-use plan and compatible with adjacent uses.

Implementation: staff will update zoning maps and notify applicants and surrounding owners of the council’s action.