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Commission approves Hill Street rezoning for plant nursery with 8–10‑foot wooden fence condition
Summary
The Grand Prairie Planning and Zoning Commission approved a comprehensive plan amendment and PD rezoning for a proposed plant nursery on Hill Street, adding a condition that allows a horizontal wood screening fence of 8–10 feet (instead of masonry) that applies specifically to the nursery use.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 13 unanimously approved a comprehensive plan amendment (CPA‑25‑12‑00024) and a zoning change (ZON‑25‑120042) to allow a plant nursery and related retail/office uses on parcels along Hill Street.
Staff told the commission the requested future‑land‑use change from low‑density residential to commercial/office does not align with the city’s comprehensive plan, and staff recommended against the request. The applicant nonetheless sought a planned development district to permit a small plant nursery with a 1,100‑square‑foot welcome cottage and supporting site improvements.
Applicant Sonia Spray, who said she plans to relocate from Arlington, described a low‑impact, display‑garden style nursery intended to look and feel residential. Several neighbors submitted written opposition; Lisa Arnold (301 Crescent Drive), who said her backyard backs the site, addressed the commission and urged taller screening because Hill Street sits at a higher elevation than her property.
Commissioners focused on two questions: whether the PD could safely replace the UDC’s required masonry screening wall with a wooden, horizontal board‑on‑board fence, and whether that change should be tied to the nursery use only. Staff said the masonry‑wall requirement is intended where retail or other more intensive uses are allowed, but that the proposed plant nursery could be conditioned differently. The applicant agreed to a maintenance program for the fence, including periodic inspections, sealing and repairs.
Commissioner Jamie Mendez Adakari moved to approve both items with an amendment to the recommended conditions that changes the masonry exception to allow an 8‑ to 10‑foot wood fence (instead of 6–8 feet) "as needed" and to limit the exception specifically to the plant nursery use. Commissioner Frank Gonzales seconded the motion; the commission voted unanimously to approve the amendment and the two companion requests.
The approval includes several staff‑recommended limits on future uses in the PD (for example, prohibiting alcohol packaged sales for off‑premise consumption, convenience stores with gas sales, smoking lounges and certain medical uses) and a condition that the masonry exception applies only to the plant nursery so that a different future occupant could be required to meet standard masonry screening requirements.
The commission’s action will move the items to City Council for final action as required by the city’s adoption process.
