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Decatur planning commission approves front-yard setback variance for WARM building at 300 N. Trinity
Summary
The City of Decatur planning commission approved a variance to reduce the front-yard setback for a new Wise Area Relief Mission (WARM) building at 300 North Trinity, citing building siting and public-access benefits including parking and fire maneuverability. The motion passed 4–0.
The City of Decatur Planning Commission approved a variance to reduce the front-yard setback for a new Wise Area Relief Mission (WARM) building at 300 North Trinity, the commission voted 4–0 during its meeting that began at 3:30 p.m.
The variance was requested by Trina Zeiss on behalf of Wise County and sought relief from the city’s front-yard setback along Trinity Street to allow construction of a new building that will include a loading dock, additional downtown parking and access for fire apparatus maneuvering, according to Development Services staff.
Wayne, a Development Services staff member, told commissioners that the property had been replatted in late 2024 and approved on Jan. 13, 2025, and that a portion of the parcel was rezoned commercial and granted a specific-use permit for philanthropic use on Jan. 27, 2025. Wayne said Wise County owns the building and property and that WARM has operated at the site since 1998. Wayne also entered the staff report into the record and recommended approval of the variance.
Staff said the requested variance is allowed under the Texas Local Government Code when the statutory criteria are met and that the setback reduction was needed because of the building’s location on the lot and the amenities proposed, including a truck dock and public parking. Staff notified 47 nearby property owners and reported no responses to the notification.
Commissioner Sammer moved to approve the variance; an unidentified commissioner seconded. The motion carried 4–0.
The commission opened a public hearing on the item at 3:38 p.m., asked if anyone wished to speak and then closed the hearing later the same minute with no public comments recorded. The record also reflects the planning staff’s statement that closing Market Street behind the building will not provide a full fire lane but will provide maneuverability behind the structure if needed.
No conditions or amendments to the variance were recorded in the meeting minutes.
