Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Economy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves seasonal 'Snowcone Stand' with signage, barrier and three‑year sunset conditions
Summary
After applicant presentations and resident objections over traffic and safety at a nearby roundabout, the commission approved a site-specific land-use amendment, rezoning to SP-1 and a specific-use permit for a seasonal Snowcone Stand, adding conditions on signage, landscape buffers and a requirement that the applicant present barrier options for nonuse times; motions passed 4–0 and will go to city council on April 7 and April 21.
The Southlake Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 19 approved a set of land‑use changes and a special‑use permit to allow a seasonal snow‑cone operation at 1170–1180 North White’s Chapel Boulevard, but added requirements to address signage, off‑hours access and traffic concerns.
Staff told commissioners the request includes a site‑specific future land‑use recommendation (to allow limited, low‑intensity retail services while retaining a low‑density residential designation), rezoning from agricultural to SP‑1 (detailed site‑plan district) and a specific‑use permit to authorize indoor and outdoor sales for the seasonal operation. Staff noted the proposal includes a landscape plan, elevations and a demolition/remodel plan and flagged signage for SUP consideration.
Applicant John Kornelson, founder of Evolving Texas, and landowner Mitchell Allen emphasized tree preservation and limited site changes. Kornelson said they designed the plan "to keep a 100% of the trees" and that the project will use decomposed granite surfacing with minimal new impervious areas. He described the business as temporary and seasonal, intended in part to support youth entrepreneurship and local nonprofits, and said a traffic study concluded the site’s added trips are de minimis compared with the roundabout’s capacity.
Nearby residents urged caution. Raj Gill, who lives on Montrose Lane, said placing a commercial operation adjacent to the roundabout risks backing up traffic and complicates visibility for motorists. Shirdi Vimalpali, speaking as an HOA president, said neighbors worry about morning student‑drop traffic and the site’s proximity to school routes and urged commissioners to prioritize safety.
Commissioners debated signage and the length of a sunset clause; the applicant sought a five‑year term, while commissioners recommended a three‑year SUP sunset tied to ownership or a three‑year review to ensure the use remains compatible. Commissioners also asked the applicant to present options for nonuse‑time barriers (boulders, removable bollards or similar), to add landscape buffering around the traffic circle, and to provide more detailed topographic information for city council review. Commissioner (speaker 3) moved to approve the land‑use amendment (item 6), the rezoning/site plan (item 7), and the SUP (item 8) with the noted conditions; all three motions passed 4–0.
Director Dennis Carroll told the public the items will go to city council for first reading on April 7 and for second reading on April 21.
Next steps: the applicant will refine signage details to meet the city’s sign standards (or present sign variations for council consideration), supply barrier options and additional contour/topographic information for council review prior to the April hearings.
