Planning commission tables South Hampton Road rezoning after resident objections; applicant absent

The DeSoto Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 14, 2025 voted to table consideration of case Z1534-24, a request to rezone 1404 and 1406 South Hampton Road (tracts 7.1 and 8.1 of the John Lewis survey, abstract 774) from agricultural to single-family attached, until the commission's meeting on Feb. 11, 2025.

The zoning request, presented by planning staff, would permit the site's redevelopment into a 16-lot single-family attached (townhome) community on roughly 2.96 acres south of East Parkerville Road and north of the Desoto/Glen Heights city limit. Staff told commissioners the proposed use is consistent with the city's 2024 comprehensive plan designation of medium-density residential but that a required site plan and a front-yard setback deviation (the applicant proposes a 20-foot front setback that does not comply with the SFA district standard) would require further review; the setback issue would need a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment if the council approves the rezoning.

Why it matters: Rezoning the parcels to single-family attached would allow townhome development on a parcel now zoned agricultural and would change the regulatory path for future development (site plan requirements, potential ZBA variance for setback). Neighbors said the change could affect neighborhood character, traffic and property upkeep; the commission delayed action to allow the applicant an opportunity to respond to those concerns.

Staff presentation and site context Jordan Williams, a planning staff presenter, described the property as two combined lots totaling about 2.96 acres on the east side of South Hampton Road. The site…