Planning Commission recommends denial of zoning change at North Whitechapel Boulevard, 4–2

The Southlake Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4–2 on Feb. 6 to deny a zoning change and concept plan for 1965 and 1975 North Whitechapel Boulevard that would have rezoned the two parcels from Agricultural District to SF‑2.9 and allowed a four‑lot residential subdivision.

City staff described the application as a request to rezone roughly 2.9 acres from AG to SF‑2.9 with a concept plan showing four residential lots. The applicant requested variances from the standard minimum 30,000‑square‑foot lot area for two lots adjacent to SF‑1A zoning to the north. Staff said the future land use is mixed use and that the request had appeared at a previous meeting; staff also said one surrounding property owner had submitted an undecided response and was present that evening.

Applicant Ashok Khan of 2003 West Spring Lane told commissioners he had met with the adjacent property owner and brought a revised plan. The adjacent owner, Gerardo Suarez (2005 North Whitechapel Boulevard), told the commission he was still “undecided” and was evaluating the proposal. Commissioners debated whether approving smaller lots would set an undesirable precedent; several commissioners noted recent City Council guidance favoring larger lots in similar contexts.

After deliberation, a commissioner moved to deny the application as presented; the motion passed 4–2. Commissioners who voiced support during the discussion cited the property’s mixed‑use designation and surrounding smaller lots, while dissenting commissioners said they were unwilling to grant the requested variance to the 30,000‑square‑foot minimum for the two northern lots. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action; staff advised that the council’s next regular meeting is Feb. 18, 2025.