Plan commission grants 10-year SUP for fuel pumps at West Walnut after debate over enforcement period

The Garland Plan Commission approved a specific-use provision (SUP) for fuel pumps at 3420 West Walnut Road and set the SUP term at 10 years, after staff and commissioners debated how long to issue a permit that will keep the site in compliance over time.

Staff reported May 12 that the site is 21,060 square feet and previously had an SUP for fuel pumps that expired in 2018. The GDC guideline generally recommends a 20 to 25-year SUP for fuel pumps, but staff recommended a five-year term to make sure any required landscaping and maintenance were kept current while the city develops a procedural system to track SUP expirations. Code compliance records showed only routine signage and landscaping violations historically, staff said.

Khalid Lesbon, who described himself as the long-time owner/operator of the convenience store at 3420 West Walnut (he said the ownership includes family), told commissioners the application delay was affected by COVID and personal travel; he told the commission he has kept the property maintained and intends to comply with landscaping requirements. Commissioners discussed enforcement options and the administrative burden on the city to track long SUP terms. Commissioner Abel moved to approve a 10-year SUP for fuel pumps at the site; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Staff said the SUP will include conditions requiring the new landscaping and its maintenance; code enforcement can pursue citations if the owner fails to comply. Staff also noted council has directed a review of SUP tracking procedures and that a citywide system is being developed to manage expiration dates for SUPs and similar approvals.