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City moves to narrow allowed retail uses on Lake Ridge Parkway property; hybrid housing removed after neighborhood response
Summary
The commission approved a staff‑initiated zoning change to create a more restrictive planned development for a city‑owned parcel along Lake Ridge Parkway and agreed to withdraw and refile a separate related case after public opposition to a proposed "hybrid housing" (build‑to‑rent) component.
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted on Aug. 25 to create a planned‑development (PD) zoning tailored to a city‑owned parcel along Lake Ridge Parkway that will narrow allowable retail uses and include design standards; separate action removed a proposed hybrid housing component from a related case and the applicant will refile after re‑notice.
Planning staff said the property (referred to in the record as Lake Ridge 1) is currently covered by PD‑267A for general retail, but the city initiated a new PD so it can prohibit specific uses — for example, variety stores or vape shops — that staff and council members consider unsuitable for the surrounding neighborhood. Staff said the future‑land‑use map calls for commercial/retail and office uses and recommended approval of the concept plan.
Staff reported receiving 13 letters of opposition representing 11 unique addresses; none of the letters were from properties within 200 feet of the site. Several letters and public commenters raised concerns about a proposed “hybrid housing” or build‑to‑rent component, which some residents equated with multifamily apartments.
At the meeting planning staff said hybrid housing is defined in the Unified Development Code as townhome‑style development offered for rent. After public comment and discussion, staff and commissioners agreed to remove the hybrid housing component from the proposal; staff said they would withdraw that part of the application and refile it for the Sept. 9 Planning & Zoning meeting and the Sept. 16 City Council meeting with new notices sent under state law.
Commission discussion also referred to the possibility of using deed restrictions to limit future uses if the city sells the property. Staff said they are exploring deed restrictions and noted state law changes (discussed elsewhere on the agenda) affect what municipalities can require; staff cited SB 840 in general conversation about limits on local regulation.
Commissioner Janie Adakari moved to approve the PD concept plan for Lake Ridge 1 per DRC recommendations; Commissioner Ty Chapman seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The related case that included hybrid housing was withdrawn for revision and re‑notice; no final action was taken on that withdrawn item.
Public commenters asked that the site become a park or community green space rather than be sold for commercial development; staff replied that no development is imminent and that city ownership means the city can shape allowed future uses before any sale.
The commission did not adopt any deed restriction at the meeting; staff said deed restrictions remain under consideration and legal review.
