Waco City Council approves multiple land-use changes, easements and code amendments; eminent-domain authority authorized for Speegleville project

WACO — The Waco City Council on Jan. 21 approved a package of rezonings, plan amendments, easement and right-of-way actions and several ordinance readings, and authorized staff to pursue acquisition — including eminent domain if necessary — for the Speegleville Corridor Improvement Project.

Council approved a short-term rental special permit for property at 4916 Hillcrest Drive, granted a withdrawal request for an application at 8464 Spicewood Road, and approved an amendment to the Saddle Creek planned-unit development to allow a car-washing establishment in a designated commercial pad with seven specific conditions. The council also approved changes to comprehensive-plan land-use designations and rezonings at multiple addresses, an abandonment of part of Trikes Avenue with conditions to protect utilities and fire access, and a consent-agenda slate of routine resolutions and budgeted items.

Why it matters: the approvals change allowable uses at specific sites, add frontage development flexibility in Saddle Creek (but limit hours and require construction and screening measures for a proposed car wash), and clear city authority to obtain property and easements needed to widen and improve Speegleville Road.

Key outcomes and conditions

- Short-term rental: The council approved a special-permit request allowing a Type 1 short-term rental at 4916 Hillcrest Drive. Plan Commission had recommended approval. The permit is subject to the city’s licensing process for short-term rentals, including a two-year license and biennial review.

- Withdrawal granted: An application for a Type 1 short-term rental at 8464 Spicewood Road was formally withdrawn at the applicant’s request; staff recommended approval of the withdrawal and the council approved it.

- Saddle Creek PUD amendment (car wash): Council approved an…