Commission approves reduced 16-foot landscape buffer for restaurant at 2290 S. Simmons Freeway

The Lewisville Planning and Zoning Commission approved an alternate landscaping standard Dec. 2, allowing a 16-foot landscape buffer instead of the 20 feet required by the I‑35 overlay for a proposed restaurant at 2290 South Simmons Freeway.

An unnamed staff presenter told commissioners the property has been vacant for years and a new restaurant user plans to occupy it. "The applicant is proposing to construct a 16 foot landscape buffer in order to have a 1 way drive lane going in front of the building here," the presenter said. The presenter added the drive lane is not required for fire safety and that the applicant is seeking the reduction to facilitate site access.

Staff recommended approval, saying the proposal still meets tree and planting-count requirements and adds a new landscape island to the parking lot. Commissioners questioned whether additional green space could be provided; staff said increasing green space would require cutting existing concrete and noted the proposed buffer sits behind a retaining wall that may be up to 12 feet tall.

Commissioner Joshua moved to approve the alternate standard; Commissioner Jack seconded. The chair called the vote and the motion was recorded as approved, with the transcript noting a 5-0 tally at the commission level.

The commission’s approval is a planning-level action; staff noted the item "stands as approved" at the commission meeting but did not describe additional steps required for permitting or building permits.

No public speakers addressed this item at the meeting.