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Board grants variance for landscape and reduced parking setback at MetroCare site near Westmoreland and Redmond
Summary
The Board granted two variances allowing an alternative landscaping plan and a 10‑foot parking setback reduction to enable a surface parking lot serving new MetroCare facilities at 1433 N. Westmoreland Road.
The Dallas Board of Adjustment on March 18 granted two variances for a MetroCare‑led development at 1433 North Westmoreland Road (BDA245‑035). The board unanimously (5‑0) approved a variance to the landscape requirements and a separate 10‑foot variance from the parking setback rule, after hearing staff and project representatives describe site constraints.
Rob Baldwin represented MetroCare and explained the site’s unusual configuration: a triangular parcel that contains a separately zoned radio tower parcel and a billboard/visibility easement, and is crossed by overhead utility lines and easements. Baldwin said the owner’s plan removes an existing building and uses the triangular parcel as surface parking to serve a new seven‑story patient/service building and an adjacent two‑story clinic. The applicant said the parking is not required by zoning minimums but is needed operationally to provide staff and service parking and preserve closer garage parking for patients.
Staff and the applicant presented an alternative, robust planting and screening plan that accommodates legacy trees and utility easements where new street trees are not possible. City staff (board administrator/chief planner) indicated the requested adjustments were consistent with the Special Planning District (PD 811) process and supported the alternative plan given the overhead lines and visibility easement constraints.
Board member Andrew Finney moved to grant the variance to the landscape regulations; the motion carried 5‑0 with a condition that the project comply with the most recent submitted plans. After a brief recess to finalize language, the board again voted 5‑0 to grant the 10‑foot parking setback variance.
Votes at a glance: BDA245‑035 (1433 N. Westmoreland Road) — Variance to landscape regulations granted 5‑0 (condition: compliance with submitted plans). 10‑foot variance to parking setback granted 5‑0.
Context and next steps: The approvals will permit MetroCare to proceed with a surface parking layout that staff and the board judged consistent with the site’s constraints and PD 811 objectives. Final permitting and plan‑check steps remain with city staff; the board’s approval was conditioned on compliance with the most recent plans and will be memorialized in a written decision letter.
