Irving Mall tenant seeks permanent approval for outdoor motorcycle training; staff recommends zoning change

A tenant operating at Irving Mall sought a zoning change on Dec. 1 to legalize a long‑standing outdoor motorcycle training accessory use and an on‑site storage container.

Staff presented zoning case 2025360 for 33880 Irving Mall proposing an SP2 generalized site plan to permit permanent outdoor motorcycle training and a storage container that occupies approximately six parking spaces. Staff said the operator has occupied an interior suite at the mall since about 2020 and has used the outlined outdoor training area and the container since about 2014. According to staff, there have been no code‑enforcement complaints related to the training area.

Commissioners raised concerns about parking loss, the container’s visibility near nearby residential lots, and whether approving the use might affect broader redevelopment plans for the mall. Staff clarified the mall and most parking are privately owned by multiple entities; the zoning change would attach the use to the site rather than to the current operator, meaning the allowance would remain with the property unless rezoned in the future. Staff also told the commission that there is no screening requirement for the container under current code; commissioners suggested exploring screening or site‑design options during the evening public hearing when the applicant would be present.

There was no final action at the work session; staff recommended approval of the zoning case and indicated the matter would be taken up during the evening public hearing where the applicant could respond to design and screening questions.