Argyle council OKs zoning changes, hires design teams, approves short-term borrowing and schedules November tax vote

Argyle Town Council on July 21 approved a package of zoning changes, professional services agreements and short‑term financing to advance planning for a municipal town center and police facility, and scheduled a November special election on a local sales tax increase for a small area of the town.

The council voted to amend the town development standards to allow livestock and ranch animals in the Single Family Residential Estate 1 (SF‑1) district only under new conditions, including a minimum of 1.5 acres of ‘‘grazable’’ land and, for certain uses, a specific‑use permit (SUP). Mr. Harrison, planning staff, told the council the change narrows the group of eligible lots to about 10% of the SF‑1 parcels and mirrors standards already used in SF‑2.5 and agricultural zoning.

The amendment prompted public comment. Amelia Thompson of 180 Hartpole Road West urged the council not to require an SUP initially and asked that the council allow the size‑based approach (1.5 acres) to permit animals without the added application fee and 60‑day process. Thompson said that residents who already rezoned properties had borne additional costs and that adding an SUP could be “cost prohibitive.” Council members discussed options including a lower, tiered fee for agricultural SUPs and whether the council could grandfather the applicant who has already undergone extended review. Town legal/staff indicated any fee change would need to be enacted via the annual fee schedule and could be considered before the applicant completes an SUP application.

After deliberation the council approved the ordinance as presented (with the SUP requirement in place). Planning staff and council members said staff will work to be “accommodating” to the nearby applicant while the town considers modifications to the fee schedule.

The council also approved an ordinance removing a 90‑day time limit that previously required the Planning & Zoning Commission to make a recommendation within 90 days after a public hearing; the revision allows the commission to defer…