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Commission approves rezoning for planned Fire Station 6; neighbors raise noise, property‑value concerns
Summary
The commission rezoned a 3‑acre property at Teasley Lane and Hunters Creek to Public Facilities to accommodate a new Denton Fire Station 6; staff said the change allows design flexibility for visibility and safety, and the fire chief said the move improves 4‑minute response coverage.
The Denton Planning and Zoning Commission on April 23 approved rezoning roughly 3 acres at Teasley Lane and Hunters Creek from a planned development district to the Public Facilities district to accommodate the city’s new Fire Station 6.
City staff said the zoning change will let the city apply alternative landscaping and design flexibility to maintain clear sight lines for emergency vehicles. Matt Bodine, assistant planner, told the commission that the property was purchased by the city in December 2023 for the purpose of building the station and that staff recommends rezoning because the Public Facilities district is better aligned with a fire station’s operational needs.
The item drew one public commenter who said she works from home near the proposed site and expressed concern that 24‑hour emergency vehicle activity could interrupt work and lower property values. Julia Hernandez, a nearby resident, said she worries about noise and traffic and about the potential impact on resale value.
Fire Chief Kenneth Hedges responded with the department’s operational rationale. “We look at everything in response time. We really try to focus on a 4‑minute response time as the NFPA standard,” Hedges said, and said the new site moves about 6,000 residents into a four‑minute response area while adding coverage for at‑risk populations and businesses. He said crews may use lights only when appropriate and have discretion to limit siren use at night.
Bodine and staff added that the rezoning will allow relocation of some required landscape elements so the station driveway and apparatus have adequate visibility. The commission voted 4–0 to approve the rezoning.
Ending
Staff will proceed with the project under the Public Facilities zoning; the building and site plan review process will address final landscaping, security, and operational details required for the station to open.
