The Kennedale Planning & Zoning Commission voted Dec. 22 to recommend that City Council consider a Planned Development to allow reuse of 429 West Kennedale Parkway by a UK‑based fencing company called First Fence. Staff said the PD would allow tailored accessory uses — outdoor inventory storage tied to on‑site sales, limited on‑site fabrication, and accessory office/service uses — while preserving controls for future users.

Staff emphasized items for the PD: allow outdoor storage as an accessory use in defined portions of the site rather than a site‑wide principal use, increase the OT‑4 district’s typical 33% cap on outside storage to the amount shown on the applicant’s site plan, require shielded exterior lighting to minimize glare onto neighbors, and restrict driveway movements to right‑in/right‑out to reduce left‑turn conflicts on Kennedale Parkway. Staff also recommended defining outside storage terms precisely (warehousing vs. outside storage) in the PD text.

Applicant representatives described First Fence as a service‑oriented firm expanding from the U.K. that plans local retail, significant on‑site inventory to support e‑commerce and contractor customers, and limited bespoke manufacturing for custom gates and panels. Applicant representative Vinesh Kachetche said: "In the first year, we're looking at roundabout 15 people on-site... and by the year 2030, we're looking at employing 55 people." He said the company seeks a March 30 opening target and intends to create a small local training academy.

Commissioners and staff debated operating hours and noise controls. Staff suggested a 7 a.m. start, while the applicant said a 6 a.m. start is important to serve contractor customers and maintain commercial viability. Staff noted general city noise ordinances and said the PD can include hours or other noise‑mitigation conditions; staff also asked for shielded lighting and suggested right‑in/right‑out driveway limitations to manage truck movements.

The commission moved to recommend the PD to City Council with staff‑recommended options and conditions; members asked council to finalize percentage limits for outside storage and to weigh hours‑of‑operation language. The recommendation will be transmitted to City Council for final zoning action.

Next step: Council review of PD text, outdoor‑storage percentages, hours of operation, and any additional conditions requested by commissioners or staff.