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Council unanimously approves rezoning to expand Richardson North Junior High for 6th‑grade conversion
Summary
The council approved ZF25‑17 to rezone 15.142 acres at 1820 North Floyd Road to a PD (base R‑1100‑M) to allow a renovation and expansion from 94,000 sq ft to 228,000 sq ft to add sixth graders; staff and the applicant outlined traffic circulation, a storm‑shelter gym, and portability exceptions for construction.
The Richardson City Council voted unanimously to approve zoning file ZF25‑17, allowing Richardson ISD to renovate and enlarge Richardson North Junior High to accommodate a transition to a middle‑school model that includes sixth grade.
Senior Planner Derek Peters told the council the property at 1820 North Floyd Road is proposed to expand from about 94,000 square feet to roughly 228,000 square feet to house an additional grade level. Key elements in the planned development (PD) include portions of the building to be up to 52 feet to the top of the parapet, a minimum of 170 parking spaces proposed by the district, a new gymnasium that will double as a storm shelter, and a traffic circulation plan that adds an inbound drive (Drive D) along Nantucket Drive for 7th/8th graders while keeping drop‑off loops for sixth graders on Floyd Road.
James Watson, Richardson ISD’s senior executive director of operations, said the rezoning implements a previously adopted district grade‑configuration plan and follows passage of the 2025 bond that funds the transformations. Architect Brett Holesley (Stantec) reviewed phasing plans and said the design allows students to remain on campus during construction.
Council discussion focused on two recurring concerns: (1) traffic and stacking in nearby residential streets and (2) the applicant’s request to waive a masonry screening‑wall requirement (replacing it with existing wood fencing and a creek buffer). Councilmembers asked staff and the district to coordinate on traffic monitoring and mitigation and discussed landscaping and live‑screen options as a potential compromise. Staff said the plan commission recommended approval 7–0 and noted one written statement in opposition was received.
The motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider, seconded by Councilmember (name recorded as Araphene for the record), and passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The rezoning clears the way for RISD’s campus reconfiguration and a significant building expansion with construction phasing and traffic-management implications for adjacent neighborhoods.
What’s next: Staff and the district will continue coordination on traffic management during construction and will return to council for remaining bond and project‑specific actions.
