Planning commission approves design exceptions for McKinney National Airport terminal over public objections

The City of McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 14 approved design exceptions to the site plan for a proposed terminal at McKinney National Airport, voting 7-0 to allow reduced tree plantings in the street buffer and parking areas adjacent to the runway.

Staff said the exceptions were requested because planting canopy trees close to the runway would attract birds and other wildlife and create a hazard for aircraft. Planner Jake Bennett told the commission the unified development code allows air-side perimeter exemptions and staff worked with the applicant and the city urban forester to preserve more trees than originally planned and to add landscaping features where possible.

“Given the location immediately adjacent to the existing runway … preservation of existing trees and additional landscaping features. Staff recommends approval of the requested design exceptions,” Bennett said.

Mitch…