Planning commission recommends denial of specialty paraphernalia permit at 1702 W. US-287 Business

The Waxahachie Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial on Jan. 13 of a specific-use permit that would have allowed a specialty paraphernalia retailer at 1702 W. US Highway 287 Business, Suite A.

Staff recommended denial, citing that the suite appears to occupy state right-of-way adjacent to US‑287 Business and that informal parking in a runoff area has been used by prior tenants. "Due to the letters of opposition received along with staff concerns regarding the use, we are recommending denial of the application," staff told commissioners during the presentation.

The applicant and his business partner described the proposed operation as a regulated hemp/CBD retail business limited to tinctures, edibles and topicals, with security and an age restriction. "We're not gonna sell bongs or any, tin pictures, in that nature," the applicant said, adding the business would be 21‑and‑over and would prohibit on‑site consumption. The partner said established locations generate significant revenue and estimated the Waxahachie site could bring $50,000–$80,000 monthly.

A nearby property owner opposed the permit during public comment, saying the business would be out of character for the area and could harm adjacent investments. "I plead with y'all to do the right thing and deny this," the resident said, noting nearby pediatric and family‑oriented businesses.

After public comment and questioning on operational details, a commissioner moved to recommend denial of ZDC‑110‑2025; the motion carried on a voice vote. The denial will be forwarded to city council as the planning commission's recommendation.

Next steps: the commission's denial will be included in the staff report to Waxahachie City Council for consideration at its upcoming meeting.