Planning commission recommends approval of Flower Mound Hindu Temple site plan after debate over buffer and roof waiver

The Flower Mound Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-0 Monday to recommend approval of site plan SP24-0013, the Flower Mound Hindu Temple proposed at 3131 Old Settlers Road, after debating two requested exceptions: a compatibility buffer exception to allow a single access/fire lane and a waiver to permit a flat roof for religious architectural features.

The commission’s recommendation goes to the Town Council for final action. The proposal, presented by Claire Barnes of Planning Services and civil engineer Jason Kilpatrick of Reitinger Associates, would build a one-story temple in property zoned agricultural and PD-18 (SFDM uses) just south of Flower Mound High School.

Barnes told commissioners the request includes a compatibility buffer exception along the site’s north edge — “the only access into the site” — and a waiver to the town’s roof-pitch requirement for buildings under 15,000 square feet, which otherwise requires a slope between 6:12 and 9:12. Kilpatrick and representatives from the temple said the flat roof is required by Hindu temple architectural traditions and that decorative towers (vimanas) would rise…