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Little Elm council approves Ordinance No. 18-32 allowing propane refueling at Ace Hardware with conditions
Summary
Council passed Ordinance No. 18-32 to grant a special-use permit for two propane storage racks and a 1,000-gallon refill tank at an Ace Hardware site; Planning & Zoning recommended approval 3–1 with tenant-specific limits, restricted refueling hours (8 a.m. to dusk), and screening requirements; building permits remain required.
The Little Elm Town Council on Dec. 2 approved Ordinance No. 18-32, granting a special-use permit to allow propane refueling racks and a 1,000-gallon refill tank at an Ace Hardware location within a 7.645-acre commercial development.
Staff presenter Olga (S8) outlined the proposal for two propane storage racks and a 340-square-foot enclosure to hold a 1,000-gallon refill tank adjacent to the store’s front area. She said the installation uses an existing dumpster area that would be reconfigured and screened with wrought iron enclosure and masonry, and that the Texas Railroad Commission is the primary regulator for these propane refueling tanks. "The proposal includes the 2 propane storage racks at the front, and a 340 square foot storage area to accommodate a 1,000 gallon, capacity propane refill tank," Olga said.
Olga told council that the Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the request on Nov. 6 and recommended approval 3–1 with conditions to limit the SUP to the current tenant (Ace Hardware), restrict refueling to daytime hours (8 a.m. to dusk), require screening and buffering, and prevent future tenants from using the space as general open storage without additional approvals. The presentation noted that fire, engineering and building reviews had approved the location for zoning purposes, but the applicant still must obtain building permits.
Staff read a written public comment from resident Marilyn O'Donnell of 2004 West Oak Grove Parkway who said she lives nearby, has observed town growth and supports the request: "I am in favor of the request and do not see it as a detriment to my property values," the read statement said.
Mayor moved the ordinance and Council member Matt seconded; council voted to approve Ordinance No. 18-32 with the stated conditions (no roll-call tally specified in the transcript). Olga emphasized that any desire to increase tank size or change the layout would require returning to the zoning process.
Next steps: the applicant must secure building permits and comply with Railroad Commission requirements; staff will enforce the SUP conditions and any future tenant changes would require additional review.
