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Public hearing opened on Caliber Collision plan; council to decide April 7 after further review
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Summary
Council opened a public hearing on a proposed Caliber Collision repair shop and PD amendments at 2801 Main Street and 2700 Lake View Parkway, including requests for outdoor vehicle storage and reductions to setbacks and landscape buffers; council left the hearing open for action on April 7.
The Rowlett City Council opened a public hearing on March 17 to consider rezoning and development‑plan amendments to allow a Caliber Collision heavy vehicle service and repair facility with outdoor storage on a 1.47‑acre parcel within a larger tract near Main Street.
Planner Liliana Morejon outlined the request, noting the site’s current PD designation and that outdoor storage is not permitted by right under existing code (it requires an SUP). The applicant seeks PD modifications including reorienting the building away from Main Street, reducing the right‑of‑way landscape buffer and compatibility buffers, and adding outdoor storage in a rear fenced area. Planning staff reported that the property was noticed for April 7 action but was being heard for public input on March 17; the item will be formally decided at the April 7 council meeting when the public hearing is closed.
Carlos Swanson, developer with Cross Development representing Caliber Collision, said the business would operate Monday–Friday roughly 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., employ about 15–20 people, and store mostly late‑model, repairable cars in a screened, fenced yard. Swanson and engineer David Norris said they prefer the building closer to Main Street to screen the storage area from view and requested increasing on‑site vehicle storage from the PD’s 7‑day standard to as much as 30 days, citing parts‑order variability. Swanson said cars would typically be turned in 10–14 days.
Council members asked about visibility from Main Street, compatibility buffers, pedestrian setbacks and the potential for runoff or fluid leaks from stored vehicles. An adjacent resident and Dan Hapt raised environmental concerns about runoff toward local drainage that connects to a nearby creek and lake. Planning staff and the applicant discussed screening, opaque fencing and landscaping; staff said PD conditions could codify maximum storage time and other operational limits.
Planning & Zoning previously considered the request; commissioners expressed some confusion over the definition of “heavy” versus “light” auto repair and recommended approval with the commission denying one proposed reduction (minimum separation between parking and buildings). Because the council kept the public hearing open, no final action was taken March 17; the council will rehear and take action on the request on April 7.
