Dripping Springs council approves 2‑year extension for temporary tent at Ranch Road 12, sets March 1, 2025 deadline for building permit

Council on July 16 approved an extension of a conditional‑use permit (CUP) that allows a temporary tent to operate as a warehouse at 27950 Ranch Road 12, but the approval carries a firm trigger date. Erin Banks, representing the property owner, asked the council for a two‑year extension while the owner completes design and permitting for a permanent facility.

Planning and zoning staff and commissioners reviewed the permit history and recommended safeguards after noting delays in site development. The planning and zoning commission recommended a two‑year extension with a condition that “complete design and building‑permit application must be submitted no later than 03/01/2025,” and that “if the complete building permit is not submitted by 03/01/2025, the tent must be removed and the CUP will cease,” the commission report said.

Council members questioned whether the tent could legally remain during construction if the owner submitted and obtained permits; staff and the applicant said the tent could remain while construction of the permanent facility proceeded after permits were approved. Councilmember discussion focused on balancing support for a local business’ ability to complete work with neighbors’ concerns about a long‑standing temporary structure.

A motion to approve the P&Z recommendation with its conditions passed on the council floor. No amendment to the permit conditions was adopted; council directed staff to track compliance with the March 1, 2025 submittal deadline and to report back if the owner failed to file a complete building‑permit application.

What happens next: If the owner submits a complete building‑permit application by March 1, 2025, construction may proceed and the tent may remain during construction; if not, staff will require removal of the tent and the CUP will cease.