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Council approves setback variance for Montgomery retail development near H‑E‑B
Summary
Council approved a variance reducing a vegetative setback from 25 to 20 feet for the Montgomery retail development adjacent to H‑E‑B, with staff assuring planting counts remain unchanged and council members seeking clarity about continuity and perceived favoritism.
Montgomery, Texas — The City Council on Feb. 10 approved a variance request for the Montgomery retail development (the commercial site next to H‑E‑B) to reduce the vegetative setback along the rear property line from 25 feet to 20 feet.
Planning staff said the variance does not change the required number of trees and shrubs; it affects only the setback depth and was requested to maintain visual and design continuity where a wall runs across adjacent properties. A planning representative described the request as intended to avoid a five‑foot jump in the wall line and to accommodate the site plan’s circulation needs.
Some council members raised concerns that two different setbacks in the same corridor could appear inconsistent and questioned whether the change amounted to favoritism toward particular developers. Planning staff and other councilors disputed that characterization, saying the request preserves planting counts and that H‑E‑B’s site met or exceeded planting requirements. One planner reiterated: “The request for the variance was not reducing the vegetation. It was just reducing the setback.”
Council voted to accept agenda item number 10 as presented (motion by Mr. Donaldson, seconded by Ms. Langley). The motion passed on a majority voice vote.
What’s next: The development will proceed subject to the conditions and approvals discussed; staff said final site planning and cross‑access arrangements will be coordinated with the H‑E‑B site and related developers.
