Zoning board approves subdivision that lets owner keep cell‑tower pad at 1215 East Main Street

The Grand Prairie Zoning Board of Adjustments on April 21, 2025, voted 9-0 to approve variances allowing the property at 1215 East Main Street to be replatted so the owner can retain the small fenced parcel containing a cell tower.

Staff told the board the owner intends to subdivide the commercially zoned lot into two parcels and keep the cell‑tower pad; staff said it did not object to the requested variances. June (planning staff) said the applicant was seeking to reduce lot width to 34 feet and lot depth to 68 feet in order to create a separate cell‑tower lot. "They have an existing building and an existing cell tower," June said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the variances clear a technical obstacle to recording a subdivision and allow the owner to market the remaining commercial portion for redevelopment while retaining lease income from the antenna pad.

Details and discussion: June said the applicant must obtain board approval before the lot can be replatted and recorded with the county. Leticia Sanchez, who spoke as the applicant's representative, described the owner's plan: "he wants to keep just the little corner for the antenna ... he's receiving a check, and he's about to be retired," Sanchez said, adding the owner has a contract and earnest money from a prospective buyer for the remainder of the parcel. Board members asked whether the cell‑tower area was a utility easement and whether the city objected; staff repeatedly stated the tower pad is leased and existing and that the city does not object to the variance request.

Formal action: David Baker moved to close the public hearing and approve ZBA25030018; Anna Coker seconded the motion. The motion carried, 9-0.

Procedural note: staff reported 19 notices were mailed for the item and that no responses in favor or opposition were received.

The board moved on to the next case after the vote.