The Coppell Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 18 voted unanimously to table a proposed revision to PD‑213 (Lost Creek Livework) that would allow single‑family residential uses for five live‑work buildings fronting South Coppell Road. The commission directed staff and the city attorney to return to the commission at its Feb. 19 meeting with clearer, enforceable definitions for allowable home‑based work and with the public hearing reopened.

Staff development services administrator Matt Steer recommended denial of the requested PD amendment, telling the commission the city has consistently promoted commercial mixed‑use or live‑work fronting South Coppell Road and that straight residential frontage would conflict with the adopted Old Town concept land‑use guidance. Steer summarized outreach results and noted staff had received a small number of supportive letters and one letter of opposition in the packet.

Applicant Chris Collins, a local developer and realtor, said longstanding market and economic issues have prevented sale or occupancy of the remaining speculative live‑work buildings. Collins described higher costs for a conversion to mixed‑use — including commercial sprinkler systems and water infrastructure — that he said pushed potential buyers away, and he urged flexibility to allow some units to sell as residential. Collins proposed that developers could install fire‑suppression systems at build‑out so future conversions to commercial use would remain feasible.

During a lengthy exchange, commissioners questioned whether changing the PD would create a precedent that would erode Old Town’s planned character. Several commissioners said they were sympathetic to the applicant’s economic difficulties but wanted firm limits to avoid opening a “domino” effect of residential conversions along Coppell Road. The city attorney and staff discussed how a carefully worded home‑occupation or hybrid home‑based business definition might preserve pedestrian‑oriented uses while allowing certain appointment‑only or low‑traffic businesses to operate from the units.

Neighbor Michael Elliott spoke in favor of allowing development on the vacant lots, saying residents would prefer built units over empty parcels but noting parking and traffic concerns.

Chair Evan Haas moved to table the application and to reopen the public hearing for the Feb. 19 meeting; the motion was seconded and approved by unanimous roll call. Staff and the applicant will return with proposed PD language that narrows and clarifies what ‘home‑based work’ would include and how those uses would be enforced.