Planning commission recommends allowing banquet halls in light-industrial areas via SUP

The Rockwall City Planning & Zoning Commission voted 7–0 on Feb. 10 to recommend a text amendment to the Unified Development Code that would permit banquet facilities and event halls in light-industrial districts through a Specific Use Permit.

Ryan, city staff, told commissioners the change is "literally a 1 letter change" in the permissible-use chart but would allow applicants to request a banquet facility in a light-industrial district through a discretionary SUP that can include operational conditions and parking requirements. He said City Council directed staff to bring the amendment forward and staff recommended the commission forward a recommendation to council.

Commissioners debated the potential for spot zoning but several members said the SUP process — with objective standards and the ability to impose conditions — provides sufficient safeguards. "I really appreciated kind of the tactic that you're taking to avoid the spot zoning issue," said Commissioner Brock, while also urging caution about precedent. Commissioner Brock and others emphasized that the SUP remains a case-by-case discretionary review.

Commissioner Shane moved to approve the amendment; Commissioner Bentley seconded. The motion passed 7–0. The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for final action.

The amendment affects the city's Unified Development Code permissible-use table; if the council adopts the change, applicants will be able to seek SUPs for banquet/event uses in specified light‑industrial areas and staff will review proposed operational conditions, including parking and circulation.