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Council approves two large multifamily items and an accessory‑structure SUP amid traffic and infrastructure concerns
Summary
Waxahachie City Council approved a 59‑unit multifamily zoning and development agreement (ZDC 1742024), granted administrative site‑plan approval for Alpine Meadows (SP 68‑2025) covering phased construction of 486 garden‑style and 295 townhome units, and approved an accessory‑structure special use permit; council debate focused on traffic access, commercial build‑out and long‑term maintenance.
Waxahachie City Council voted on several development items Oct. 20, approving a zoning change and development agreement for a 59‑unit multifamily project on Houston Street (ZDC 1742024), granting site‑plan approval for the large Alpine Meadows project (SP 68‑2025) and approving a specific‑use permit for a large accessory structure (ZDC1062025).
For ZDC 1742024, staff said the applicant reduced overall acreage and unit count (from 60 to 59 units) and lowered density from 10.18 to 10.05 dwelling units per acre; one‑bedroom units decreased from 16 to 15. The council moved to approve the ordinance subject to staff conditions and authorized the interim city manager and mayor to execute necessary documents; the motion carried by voice vote.
Council members raised questions about vehicle access and neighborhood impacts. Councilman Smith and others pressed the applicant on traffic egress, noting limited exits that funnel cars onto a service road with a dangerous yield sign. Trenton, the city planner, confirmed certain improvements — including turn lanes and potential signalization identified in the preliminary traffic impact analysis — would be resolved through the plat and civil permit process.
The council also approved the Alpine Meadows site plan (SP 68‑2025), a PD‑consistent, phased development that calls for 486 garden‑style apartment units and 295 townhome‑style units. Staff said the project meets current PD standards and includes masonry and architectural requirements; council debated curb cuts, timing for required commercial development under the PD, and traffic mitigation. The motion to approve the site plan and related development agreement passed by voice vote.
On a separate item, council approved a specific‑use permit for an accessory structure (approximately 4,000 sq ft) at 1664 FM 387 to be used as a hobby shop; staff and Planning & Zoning recommended conditions limiting the structure’s use and requiring compliance with electrical‑metering rules.
What council asked for and next steps: staff will finalize TIA details, ensure required turn lanes or signalization are included in civil plans where needed, and process retail site‑plan submissions separately. Developers will be required to follow PD and site‑plan conditions, and city staff will monitor phasing and amenity guarantees.
