Planning commission approves Dakota's Steakhouse concept with conditions; asks for tree‑preservation and parking options

The Southlake Planning & Zoning Commission voted 6-1 on May 2 to recommend approval of a zoning change and concept site plan for Dakota’s Steakhouse at 1901 West Kirkwood Boulevard, subject to staff reports and an explicit requirement that the applicant present alternative concept plans to City Council addressing tree preservation and on-site parking.

Staff presented the proposal as a revised concept from a previously approved plan. The main changes include a larger steakhouse (increasing from about 8,955 square feet to roughly 10,000 square feet) and a larger event space (from about 8,075 to 10,000 square feet). Retail space on the property was reduced on the current concept from roughly 11,700 square feet to about 10,975 square feet. Staff said required parking under the new proposal would be about 255 spaces while the plan provides 182 spaces; the applicant intends to offer valet service and to rely in part on an off-site parking arrangement.

The commission approved a set of variances that staff described as minor: two driveway-spacing variances and a driveway stacking variance (staff recorded the provided spacing and stacking measurements in the staff report). Commissioners pressed the applicant on tree preservation — the previously approved plan preserved about 16% of canopy while the new proposal would preserve roughly 2% — and on how a long-term off-site parking agreement would be structured.

Applicant Tim McEnany said the team has an agreement in principle with the VeriSpace property across the street to use 75 spaces after 5 p.m., and that the parking agreement would be formalized in writing. Commissioners and staff raised a concern that a temporary or informal agreement would not satisfy the long-term parking need; one commissioner explained that an off-site parking arrangement usable in perpetuity generally requires a deeded easement or permanent parking agreement.

Planning staff (Dennis) explained mitigation options for tree removal under the city’s code, including caliper-inch-for-caliper-inch replacement, planting on- or off-site, or payment into a tree bank when on-site preservation is infeasible. Staff also noted the commission and council can approve some parking adjustments if uses have complementary hours.

After extended discussion the commission made a motion recommending approval of ZA 25-0026, subject to staff reports dated 05/02/2025 and conditioned on the applicant bringing: (1) a tree survey and two alternative concept plans that increase tree preservation (targeting roughly the previously approved 16% level), and (2) alternative concepts that reduce retail square footage (for example half the retail square footage or no retail buildings) so that on-site parking is closer to required levels. The commission emphasized applicants should be prepared to provide concrete parking agreements and a tree-survey-backed preservation plan when the case goes to City Council.