Planning commission approves rezoning on 4-3 vote for 1405 N. Grama to allow townhomes/duplexes amid resident opposition

The City of McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-3 on Feb. 25 to approve a request to rezone 1405 North Grama Street from RS 84 (single-family residential) to TR 1.8 (townhome residential). The matter will be forwarded to City Council for final consideration on March 18, 2025.

Planner Stewart Starry told commissioners the property sits in the Town Center place type of the McKinney comprehensive plan, which envisions a mix of residential types including attached housing and townhomes. "Given the area's diverse development patterns, the proximity to similarly zoned properties, and its consistency with the comprehensive plan, staff recommends approval of the rezoning request," Stewart said.

Several nearby homeowners opposed the rezoning during public comment. Neighbor Leonard Edgar told the commission he bought his single-story home because the area is predominantly one-story and said a two-story townhome "is going to stick out like a sore thumb." Edgar and other residents raised parking concerns if multiple bedrooms are rented and said some neighbors did not receive or did not understand mailed notices.

Applicant Ahmed said the submittal is for rezoning only and that final building designs would be submitted later. "This is just a sample," the applicant said of an illustrative two-story plan shown in the packet; he added the developer is "just checking out how the entry and parking in the front will work." Staff clarified that the current RS 84 zoning allows single-family detached homes and that TR 1.8 would allow townhomes, duplexes and similar attached forms; building height under both zoning standards would be 35 feet.

Several residents, including Juan Carlos Cortez and Susan Stevon, said they feared the rezoning would harm property values and neighborhood character. Stevon also said that some neighbors did not receive or could not read the notice, and staff responded that the city's policy is to mail notices 10 days prior to properties within 200 feet and to post signage in the right of way.

Commissioners debated whether it was appropriate to rezone without a final building elevation or site plan. Commissioner Craig moved to approve the rezoning; Commissioner Woodard seconded. The motion to approve item 240095Z passed 4-3. The commission record shows the vote will be forwarded to City Council for final action on March 18, 2025.

Staff emphasized that project-level issues — final elevations, driveway locations, parking counts and detailed site plans — are reviewed during the development-permit and site-plan process and are not decided at the rezoning stage.