Planning commission recommends approval of special use permit for I-35 car dealership redevelopment

The Lewisville Planning and Zoning Commission on April 7 voted 5-0 to recommend approval of a special use permit that would allow automobile sales and leasing at 1144 North Stemmons Freeway, in the I-35 Overlay District, sending the proposal to the City Council for a final decision on May 4, 2026.

Planning staff told commissioners the proposal would demolish two existing dealership buildings and construct larger showroom and service-center buildings while improving exterior materials and landscaping in visible areas. The applicant, represented by Dynamic Engineering Consultants on behalf of PAC Properties 2 Limited, applied under Case 25-09-12SUP for the lots identified as Lot 11, Block A, Frontier Ford and Lot 5, Block B, Valley Ridge Business Park East.

The staff presentation listed a set of alternate standards the applicant requested because the I-35 overlay does not anticipate auto-dealership uses. Those requests included waiving parking-lot landscaping and display-area plantings that the overlay otherwise requires; reducing the employee-parking tree-island standard from one island per eight spaces to one per 15; waiving streetscaping requirements along the frontage road; permitting service bay doors to face the public street if additional screening is provided; and accepting exterior façades that do not meet the overlay's 80% brick-or-stone elevation standard while noting the new design is a substantial improvement over existing materials. “Staff feels that this special use permit request is compatible with the surrounding uses here,” the staff member said, recommending approval.

A commissioner asked whether a sidewalk along the I-35 frontage would remain or be extended; the staff member responded that the developer will construct the sidewalk along I-35 to meet city standards. No members of the public spoke during the public hearing.

The Chair moved to approve the special use permit "as presented," with Francesca identified as mover and Ainsley as second; the motion carried 5-0 with two members absent. The commission's action is a recommendation; City Council will hold a second public hearing and make the final decision on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

In other business, staff reminded attendees of a 2035 community vision workshop scheduled Thursday evening at Valley Ridge Church (First Baptist Church). The commission then adjourned.