Planning commission approves minor waiver allowing expanded black accents on downtown Hanby Insurance facade

The Rockwall City Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 May 26 to approve MIS2026-009, a minor waiver to downtown district design rules that would allow more black accent elements on the front façade of Hanby Insurance at 107 North Goliad Street.

Bethany, a city planner presenting the case, said the building sits in the SH-66 overlay and that the downtown design standard limits black to less than 1 percent of a façade. The applicant proposed replacing deteriorated wood doors and transom windows, adding a black sign insert and painting trims and canopy black to address maintenance and security concerns while retaining the brick facade. “This waiver is discretionary for the Planning and Zoning Commission,” Bethany said.

An onsite representative for the business explained the existing wood had rotted and that aluminum replacements were recommended by contractors. Commissioners pressed for context from the drawings and photos, with Commissioner Shane and others saying the packet did not clearly show all brick features. Commissioner Hillier moved to approve the waiver after discussion focusing on material durability and consistency with the downtown character; the motion passed 5-0.

The commission’s approval applies only to the design waiver under the downtown district rules and does not approve signage or other permits that would be required through separate processes. The item will advance with the waiver condition noted; staff and applicant will follow up with required building-permit filings and any administrative reviews.

The vote came on an item the commission identified as MIS2026-009 during the May 26 meeting and was recorded as passing 5-0 with two members absent. The applicant will proceed with final plans and any subsequent administrative permits necessary for construction.