Commission approves Carrollton‑Farmers Branch ISD ag barn and minor plat on Sandy Lake Road

The Coppell Planning and Zoning Commission approved a planned development and a companion minor plat on Oct. 16 to allow Carrollton‑Farmers Branch Independent School District to replace older structures and construct a new agricultural education barn, a covered arena and learning stations on roughly 42 acres along the north side of Sandy Lake Road.

Mary Barnum Boswell, presenting staff recommendations, said the site has been used by the district since the mid‑1970s as an agricultural science and outdoor learning center serving roughly 6,000 students a year. The proposal removes two buildings located in the floodplain and builds a new barn about 90 feet north of Sandy Lake Road that staff said will be brought out of the 100‑year floodplain through grading and imported fill. The project includes a proposed 14,000‑square‑foot barn, a 13,350‑square‑foot covered arena, a paved parking lot with 66 spaces and walking trails and learning stations.

Because much of the site currently sits in the floodplain, staff listed several conditions before construction can begin. Boswell told the commission a conditional letter of map revision (LOMR) or conditional LOMR and a corridor development certificate (CDC) permit will be required prior to start of construction in the floodplain, and a final LOMR will be required prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. She also said the district must acquire a maintenance agreement to maintain a sanitary sewer force main within the city right of way before construction begins.

Commissioner discussion included a question about animal‑waste management and runoff. A commissioner asked: “Is there any accommodations or any considerations made for any potential accumulation or runoff of animal waste into either the Elm Fork or the Denton Creek?” Boswell replied, “So they’re, animal waste is actually gonna be, gathered. They’ll have, like, a bin where it goes to and it’ll be hauled off.” Ben Sanchez of Park Hill, the project representative, said the district agreed with staff conditions.

The commission voted to approve the PD request subject to staff conditions including: additional comments may be generated during engineering review; approve landscaping as shown (with irrigation in the developed front area); require a maintenance agreement for the sanitary sewer force main; require a CDC permit and LOMR before construction/CO as specified; allow a portion of the parking lot below the base flood elevation; allow the proposed fencing; and require trailers to be stored or screened behind the barn or within the building.

A companion minor plat (Farmers Branch ISD Agbarn Addition, Lot 1, Block A) to create a lot, extend a fire lane easement and show existing and new easements was approved by the commission at the same meeting. Park Hill’s representative said right‑of‑way abandonment paperwork has been recorded at the county clerk and will be reflected on the final plat. The project team estimated construction could begin in spring 2026, noting the LOMR process with FEMA will take time and is required before occupancy.

Votes were unanimous on both the PD and the plat. No speakers registered in opposition during the public hearing.