Council approves special use permit to make Woodbridge farmers market permanent

The Wylie City Council on April 8 approved a zoning change and special use permit to allow a farmers market at 711 Woodbridge Park, the site of a popular temporary market that operated on Saturdays last year.

Planning staff presented the request as an amendment to the existing planned development; the application proposes use of 5.8 acres for a market with operating limits and conditions. Staff said the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 7–0, with clarified language on prohibited products.

Jason Haskins of city planning explained staff and the applicant agreed on conditions including set operating hours (setup through teardown, approximately 7:00 a.m. to about 2:00 p.m. on market days), a maximum of 60–65 vendors per event, food and specialty trucks (subject to Collin County approvals), and an agreement that vendors will not sell tobacco or “smoke shop” type products, including edible cannabis products. The applicant has agreed to two Wylie Police officers on site while the market is open.

Rachel Echols, founder of the Wylie Farmers Market, told council the market drew 40–60 vendors during its inaugural year and that vendor sales for the community events ranged from about $20,000 to $40,000 per event in total. Echols said she planned to expand to twice‑monthly markets in spring through fall and that B&B Theaters has agreed to a shared parking arrangement and restroom use for patrons and vendors.

Councilman Gino Maleche moved to approve the ordinance and special use permit; the motion was seconded and carried 7–0.

Why it matters

The zoning change allows a recurring community market in an established commercial area and includes conditions intended to manage traffic, vendor operations and product restrictions. Supporters said the market supports local farmers, bakers and small businesses and draws residents to historic downtown Wylie and surrounding commercial areas.

Clarifying details

- Property: 5.8 acres at 711 Woodbridge Park. - Allowed frequency: up to twice per month; applicant seeks spring-through-fall operations. - Vendor cap: 60–65 vendors, plus food and specialty trucks subject to county approvals. - Security: two Wylie Police officers on site during operating hours (applicant agreement).

Actions

- Motion: Approve zoning change from PD‑2011‑29 to PD‑2011‑29 SUP to allow a farmers market at 711 Woodbridge Park (zoning case 2025‑01). Mover: Councilman Gino Maleche. Seconder: Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Forrester. Vote: 7–0. Outcome: approved.

Speakers

- Jason Haskins, Planning staff (first referenced 00:59:06.32) - Rachel Echols, founder, Wylie Farmers Market (first referenced 01:02:05.17)

Authorities

- Planned development amendment and special use permit process under Wylie zoning ordinance (referenced by planning staff).

Proper names

- Wylie Farmers Market; B and B Theaters; Planning and Zoning Commission; Collin County (health/food truck approvals).

Provenance

- topicintro: "As most of you who have driven down Woodbridge Parkway on Saturday that's been operating... The applicant who was running that has asked us to make it a temporary thing a permanent type of use, which requires a special use permit, which is what we're presenting before you today." (timecode 00:59:06.32) - topfinish: "I will make a motion to approve the item on the first line... Motion with a second to approve the item as presented. Council, please cast your vote." (timecode 01:02:00.56)

Searchable_tags:["farmers market","zoning","Woodbridge Park","Wylie Farmers Market"]

salience:{"overall":0.46,"overall_justification":"Local zoning change enabling a recurring community market with vendor and operating limits; broadly positive local economic effect."}