Texarkana planners approve rezoning on East 9th for farm equipment store

The Texarkana Planning Commission approved a rezoning request for Parcel 00321701 on East 9th, moving the property from R-2 (single-family residential) to C-3 (open-display commercial) to allow a farm equipment store to operate on the site.

Applicants Joseph and Christian Smith (represented at the podium by Kristen Smith) told the commission they purchased the adjacent parcel because the original lot was too small and lacked room for a septic system that would accommodate their business plan. "It gives us more room now to be able to do what we need to do to store it twice on the land," Kristen Smith said, explaining the purchase and the need for additional storage and septic placement.

Commission members and staff clarified parcel geometry and utilities. Commissioners asked whether the newly acquired parcel reached the street, how the zigzag property line worked relative to neighboring lots, and where the septic system would be located; staff and the applicant confirmed the new parcel will primarily be used for storage and that a septic system will be installed on the newly acquired tract because the original parcel lacked sufficient space for septic improvements.

No members of the public registered opposition during the hearing. The chair closed the public hearing, and the commission took a roll-call vote: Anita Pickett, Dr. Hickerson, Chris Owens, Corey Mobbs, Boots Thomas and Chairman Neal were recorded as voting yes; one member (Jason Dupree) was absent. The motion to approve the rezoning passed.

The rezoning approval allows the Smiths to proceed toward site improvements and permitting for their proposed farm equipment store; any required septic permits and building permits remain subject to county review and approval.