Planning commission approves Samaritan's Purse expansion and replat; tree-fee waiver to be decided by council

The Coppell Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved on March 19 a detailed plan and companion replat for Samaritan's Purse that will add a three-story, roughly 37,699-square-foot professional building and construct a new south parking area to make up for lost spaces.

Staff presentation by Mary Fronzo explained the project reduces about 60 existing spaces to accommodate a building footprint while adding 176 spaces elsewhere for a net total of roughly 399 spaces; the expansion will include significant masonry and brick materials, a proposed pergola patio and tree plantings. "They are proposing 44 overstory trees and 19 accent trees and are requesting tree mitigation fee waivers," Fronzo said, noting fee waivers must be acted on by City Council.

Applicant Greg Yansy described operational needs: the first floor will provide a large breakroom and training area for volunteers and staff devotions, the second floor will house IT staff and the third floor reserved for future growth. Yansy and other representatives said the development supports Samaritan's Purse's seasonal volunteer operations and training needs and emphasized the organization's long-term presence in the community.

Commissioners discussed landscaping flexibility along a 30-foot gas easement and the need for a downstream drainage analysis. The motion to approve the zoning revision and replat carried unanimously. Staff conditions require detailed engineering review, recording the replat before building permits, compliance with sign and photometric requirements and payment of tree mitigation fees if council does not waive them.