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Commission backs rezoning for 60‑unit townhome project at 501 Houston with conditions
Summary
After a detailed presentation and extended questioning about playground size, traffic and stormwater, the commission recommended rezoning a vacant parcel at 501 Houston Street to allow 60 townhomes, conditioning the recommendation on expanded playground equipment, fencing for the pickleball court, a shaded play structure, removal of picnic tables, and updated site and photometric plans before council review.
The Waxahachie Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend rezoning of a vacant parcel at 501 Houston Street from Planned Development Commercial to Planned Development Multi‑Family (PD‑MF1) to allow a 60‑unit townhome development, contingent on a set of conditions requested by commissioners and read back by staff.
Planner Marissa Breuer of McAdams presented the concept plan, saying, “So with the concept plan, we are proposing 60 town homes,” and described rear‑entry units, a 15‑foot front yard, a 20‑foot rear yard, a 50‑foot setback from adjacent single‑family homes, a 6‑foot masonry wall and an on‑site amenity center with a pool and clubhouse. She told the commission the applicant had resubmitted materials addressing one missing playground component (monkey bars) and updated elevations and landscape materials.
Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff on site access, traffic routing, and safety around the amenity area. On access points, the applicant said primary entry would be from Mark Trail with a secondary access and a mutual access easement to the adjacent property owner for circulation and emergency access. Commissioners said the planned playground shown in packet renderings appeared small for a 60‑unit development; one commissioner urged adding “big kid equipment” and more play elements.
Neighbor Brent Vineyard raised concern about the development’s pond, asking whether it would be a retention pond that could become unsightly; staff clarified the feature is designed as a detention pond that does not hold water long term and noted maintenance obligations. Commissioners and staff also discussed fencing options for the pickleball court, shielded lighting on a timer to reduce glare, and the need for revised site and photometric plans.
Following discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend approval subject to conditions that staff read back: the playground equipment be shaded with a shade structure; the pickleball court be fenced; picnic tables be removed and replaced with additional playground equipment; and that an updated site plan and photometric plan be submitted prior to city council. The motion was seconded and carried by voice/hand‑raise vote.
The recommendation will advance to the Waxahachie City Council; the commission did not issue building permits at the meeting.
