Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Planning commission denies expired‑permit residential infill after neighbors cite stalled construction
Loading...
Summary
The commission voted 5–0 to deny a request to reinstate an SUP and building permit for 709 Forest Trace after staff documented an expired permit and neighbors described an unfinished, years‑long construction site.
The Rockwall City Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously on March 10 to deny a special‑use permit application for a residential infill project at 709 Forest Trace after staff reported the building permit had expired and neighbors described prolonged inactivity and site problems.
Planner Angelica summarized the file: the SUP was approved in August 2023 and a building permit issued in October 2024; the building permit expired following a period of little progress and a stop‑work order posted Jan. 16, 2026. The applicant’s representative, Otillo Posadas, said the applicant ran into retaining‑wall design problems that delayed foundation work and that he is prepared to provide a performance bond and a revised schedule if the commission wanted to grant a new SUP.
Neighbors including Mary Smith, who lives directly adjacent to the lot, described months with little or no activity, intermittent deliveries of stone and equipment and a site that prevented normal maintenance access for adjoining homeowners. Commissioners expressed concern about repeated expiration and the city staff’s limited ability to compel timely completion.
Commissioner Shane moved to deny the application with prejudice, citing the city ordinance that allowed permits to expire and the commissioners’ lack of confidence the project would be completed; the motion carried 5–0. Planning staff said the denial will go to City Council on March 16 and, because the commission recommended denial, council would require a three‑quarters majority (six of seven members) to overturn the recommendation.
The decision denies reinstatement of the SUP; the applicant may pursue other remedies outside the SUP process or reapply.
