Council approves Chapel Crossing change to allow ambulatory surgery center; applicant to pursue tree‑preservation adjustment

The City of Southlake approved a zoning amendment for Chapel Crossing on second reading, changing the planned building program on Lot 1R2 from a previously approved 22,000‑square‑foot, three‑story medical office building to a two‑story, 30,000‑square‑foot ambulatory surgery center with associated medical office uses.

Director Killo presented the request (Case ZA24‑0073) and explained the proposal applies to property at 245 and 275 W. State Highway 114 in the Ravenel Village area. Staff said the revised concept plan requires returning to the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council for site‑plan consideration before a building permit is issued.

During council discussion, members focused on mature trees along the property line with an adjacent church. Councilmember Francis and others asked whether any of the large post‑oak trees on the Lehi side could be preserved. Applicant representative Matt Crangan of Cumulus Design said construction grading and required parking geometry would likely damage root zones for several trees, but he offered to examine a plan modification that adds a slight jog in the drive aisle (a parking “swing”) that could protect the tree furthest from the proposed building. Crangan said that option could cost a small number of parking spaces but might preserve one or two trees; preserving the largest centrally located tree was unlikely without larger changes.

Council action: Mayor Pro Tem Williamson moved approval of Ordinance 480‑667B (second reading) to amend the SP‑2 district for Lot 1R2 to permit an ambulatory surgery center and to change the building program as presented. The motion noted the applicant’s agreement to review preservation of the identified tree(s) via construction adjustment; the council recorded the approval 6–0. Staff said preserved trees or construction adjustments will be subject to staff review and approval and that a final site plan will return for consideration.

Clarifying details: the amendment increases the planned building footprint on the specified lot from 22,000 sq ft (three stories) to 30,000 sq ft and shifts the building to a two‑story configuration; the property must still return to P&Z and Council for a site plan. The applicant acknowledged losing a small number of parking spaces may be acceptable to protect a tree.

Why it matters: The zoning change allows an ambulatory surgery center in a visible corridor along State Highway 114 and may alter traffic, parking and tree preservation considerations during site‑plan review. Council emphasized balancing the development program with tree preservation where feasible.