Council grants 6‑year, 3‑month extension to Big Tex Trailers SUP after applicant pledges infrastructure work

The Rockwall City Council approved a limited extension of a specific‑use permit for Big Tex Trailers on May 18, granting a total extension of six years and three months (three months for redesign, one year for construction, and a five‑year SUP extension). The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended that limitation after the applicant initially requested a longer extension.

Applicant Blake Womble told council the company has operated at the site since 2009 and is prepared to invest approximately $750,000 to install utilities, landscaping and paving once plans are finalized; the applicant requested an eight‑year extension to ensure time to recoup that cost. Property owner Raymond Jowers urged council to grant a longer term, arguing that without the extension the building could sit vacant and impair redevelopment prospects for the site.

Staff summarized the case history: the SUP originated in 2008 with successive extensions and ministerial revisions; the property has had time‑limited SUP approvals to avoid forever tying land to potentially inconsistent uses as the corridor redevelops. Notices were mailed within 500 feet; staff had not received returned objections at the time of the meeting. Councilmember Lewis motioned to approve the P&Z recommendation; Councilwoman Campbell seconded. The ordinance passed 6–1 with Councilwoman Jeffers recorded as the lone no vote.

The extension requires the applicant to submit revised civil plans, complete the required infrastructure and landscaping within the specified timeframes, and comply with the updated SUP conditions in the amended ordinance. Staff will track permit submittals and construction progress through the city’s development review process.