Planning Commission backs allowing small-scale food processing in Denison’s central area and commercial districts

The Denison Planning Commission on March 24 recommended approval of a staff-initiated text amendment to Chapter 28, Article 4, section 28.49 (case 2026-33ZO) to allow food-processing uses in the central area and commercial zoning districts.

Ms. York explained the amendment would permit small-scale manufacturing and food processing — examples she cited included bakeries, candy shops, ice cream shops and coffee roasting — in areas previously limited to light- and heavy-industrial districts. Staff recommended the change as a way to permit existing small producers to expand and to allow new small food manufacturers to locate in downtown and commercial areas while the city updates its full zoning ordinance.

Commissioners asked whether ghost kitchens would be covered by the amendment and who determines what qualifies as "small scale." Ms. York said a small food-preparation allowance already exists for central and commercial districts and that the ordinance definitions (including square-footage and capacity thresholds) determine whether an operation is treated as small-scale or as a larger-scale food-processing use that remains restricted.

No public speakers addressed the topic. A commissioner moved and a second was recorded; a voice vote in favor carried the motion to recommend approval. The transcript records the Commission’s recommendation but does not provide a roll-call tally. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action at upcoming April meetings.