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Midlothian council OKs special-use permit for gas station at FM 1387 and Onward Road
Summary
The Midlothian City Council approved a zoning amendment and specific-use permit to allow a gasoline station with retail sales on 1.65 acres at the southeast corner of FM 1387 and Onward Road. Staff recommended approval despite a unanimous denial from the Planning & Zoning Commission and several written objections.
The Midlothian City Council on April 8 approved an amendment to Planned Development 107 and granted a specific-use permit to allow a gasoline station with retail sales on about 1.65 acres at the southeast corner of FM 1387 and Onward Road.
City planning staff told the council the site is shown as "local retail" on the future land use map and that the proposal would provide nearby services along a major arterial, add cross-access and pedestrian connections and include landscaping and screening. "Staff recommends approval of the SUP," the planner said.
The project drew mixed written comment: staff mailed 22 notices to property owners within 200 feet and received six letters opposing the request and one in support. The Planning & Zoning Commission voted 7-0 to deny the SUP at its March 18 meeting; council members discussed that split before voting 6-0 in favor of the ordinance and SUP.
Developer representatives said the plan includes a cross-access easement to adjacent commercial property, sidewalk connections to Onward Road and FM 1387, a landscape plan covering about 25% of the site and an 8- to 9-foot masonry screening wall along the residential alley. The applicant asked for two variances: one to allow more parking than the 25% overage typically permitted and a sign variance to permit building signage on two street-facing elevations. "7-Eleven is not a traffic generator, but instead a capture of existing traffic," applicant Matthew Smith of Darwin Partners told the council.
A resident who spoke in favor, John Knight, said the site would provide convenience for families and older neighbors who lack nearby services. "My boys drive to that school every day, and it'd be nice for them to be able to stop there and get gas," Knight said.
Council members asked staff and the applicant about traffic circulation, future connections to surrounding phases of development and the planned roadway build-out for FM 1387. Staff said the site plan accounts for the ultimate FM 1387 right-of-way and includes downcast lighting and additional shrub buffers along residential edges.
The council closed the public hearing, then approved the ordinance and SUP as presented by unanimous vote. Council discussion and the record show the approval included the requested parking and signage variances and that staff and the applicant discussed additional striping and turn-lane improvements at the intersection with TxDOT as part of the proposed access improvements.
The approval authorizes the SUP and amends PD 107; the ordinance will be effective per the city clerk's processing schedule.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance amending PD 107 / Specific-Use Permit for gasoline station with retail sales (approx. 1.65 acres, southeast corner of FM 1387 and Onward Road) — Council vote: 6-0 (approved).
