Lucas Council approves Walmart site plan amendment to add refueling pumps

Council considered an amended site plan, elevations and landscape plan for a refueling station at the existing Walmart (2662 West Lucas Road) submitted by Lauren Nuffer with Kimberly Horn for Walmart Real Estate Business Trust.

Why it matters: The change would add a convenience store and fueling to an existing commercial site at a busy intersection. Councilors reviewed circulation for fuel-delivery trucks, tree-removal and replacement plans, and signage placement.

Staff presentation Joe Hilburn summarized the application and said the site is within an existing commercial district with a specific-use permit overlay; the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the plan on May 14 but raised concerns about site access and how refueling trucks would operate without interrupting traffic. He said the proposed development is a 1,440-square-foot convenience store with six refueling pumps (12 fueling positions) and that required parking and landscaping counts meet city standards.

Council discussion Councilors asked what changes were before council compared with prior approvals; staff clarified the prior action approved the zoning overlay and this hearing was for final site-plan approval. Questions focused on the location of electronic monument signage for gas prices, the removal of nine trees and how the developer will replace them, and whether delivery trucks can safely access the pumps.

"They're taking nine out, so they got to put nine back," Hilburn said, explaining tree-count replacement requirements and distance rules for parking-space shading.

Outcome The mayor moved to approve the amended site plan as presented; the motion was seconded and the council voted unanimously to approve the plan. Staff noted the applicant must conform to the approved site plan and satisfy required tree mitigation and civil-review requirements as part of permitting and construction.