Commission backs rezoning for six townhome units west of Mark Trail

The Waxahachie Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 13 recommended approval of a zoning change that would allow a six‑unit townhome development at 131 Mark Trail.

Planning staff presented ZDC‑122‑2025, describing a request to rezone a 0.425‑acre vacant lot from Planned Development‑5 Commercial to Planned Development MF‑2 to accommodate a single structure with six townhome‑style dwelling units. Staff said the proposal includes deviations from base MF‑2 rules—smaller minimum unit sizes, reduced setbacks and no masonry screening adjacent to single‑family zoning—and that the applicant would provide ornamental fencing and high masonry percentages on facades.

The presentation noted the site plan includes 17 parking spaces (five single‑car garages, six uncovered spaces and six parallel spaces) where 12 would be required under the base MF‑2 standard. Staff also identified a potential infrastructure constraint: the existing six‑inch water line along Houston Street may need upsizing to 12 inches if a fire‑flow study shows insufficient capacity.

City engineering staff said a fire‑flow/water‑line capacity study would be required and that review could take months; the zoning would not automatically revert to commercial if the developer later chose not to proceed because of infrastructure limitations. Applicant Brad Yates described design features patterned after nearby townhomes and confirmed parking plans.

Commissioner (speaker 6) moved to recommend approval subject to conditions in the staff report; the motion passed by voice vote. The recommendation will be forwarded to city council for final action, and staff will proceed with required civil reviews including the water‑line capacity/fire‑flow study.

Next steps: staff will include the planning commission recommendation and the required study status in the council packet.