Planning commissioners approve PUD amendment to allow swim school, other local commercial uses at Journey Bible Church site

The City of Leander Planning and Zoning Commission approved an amendment to the Journey Bible Church Planned Unit Development that rezones roughly 3 acres to add an LC-2-A base zoning to allow a swim school and other local commercial uses.

Staff presented zoning case KC-25-0192 and recommended approval, saying the proposed use is compatible with the comprehensive plan and surrounding land uses. The parcels are described by Williamson County Central Appraisal District as R668974 and R668975 and are located about 300 feet east of the intersection of Bull Nettle Drive and Journey Parkway.

The staff presentation noted the original PUD was adopted in 2017 and amended in 2021 to allow additional uses beyond the church. This amendment would expand allowed uses on the portion of the property identified by staff to accommodate the proposed swim school; staff also warned that adopting the LC-2-A zoning expands uses beyond the swim school to any uses permitted in local commercial zoning.

The applicant was present but made no formal presentation; the public hearing was opened and closed with no members of the public speaking. Commissioners asked questions and offered comments; none registered major objections. Commissioner Morales said the project "seems like it should be a good fit" with surrounding residential areas, and several commissioners noted the parcel sits within a multi-use corridor and is consistent with nearby development patterns. A motion to approve was made and seconded and then carried.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote. No conditions, amendments, or continuing requirements were recorded in the meeting minutes for this action.

The commission's action sends the amended PUD forward as approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.