Commission approves subdivision variance allowing two pad sites to retain access from private easement

The Denton Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4–0 on April 23 to approve a subdivision variance for the Harris Ranch Industrial project west of I‑35 that will allow two proposed lots—a gas well pad site and a communications pad site—to take access from a private access easement instead of a public street.

Aaron Stanley and Erin (staff) described the request: the larger development is an approximately 84‑acre light‑industrial tract, but the two pad sites are owned separately today and the owner wishes to retain ownership of the yellow‑highlighted pads while the remaining acreage is developed. The development code (DDC) permits easement access in some cases when the area between the lots and the street is already developed; in this case that area is not developed, so a variance was required.

Staff recommended approval because the pad sites have existed in their current uses prior to the adoption of the current code (the communications pad since at least 2001 and the gas well pad since at least 2004), they generate minimal traffic and would not change existing access patterns. The applicant’s representative, Amy Bissett, confirmed both pad sites already have security fencing and said the development will include appropriate site security.

Commissioners asked whether fencing or landscaping would separate the pads from future industrial lots; staff and the applicant said site security and access will be addressed through the development process, but fencing itself was not a city requirement for the variance. The commission approved the variance 4–0.

Ending

Approval allows the developer to plat the two pads with easement access while the remaining acreage proceeds toward light‑industrial development; the project will return to the city for the plat and subsequent site development review.