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Council approves rezoning to regularize pipe‑supply and outdoor storage use east of FM 377
Summary
The Denton City Council voted 4–2 to rezone roughly 2 acres on East University Drive from residential (R‑2) to light industrial, a move staff said brings an existing pipe‑supply/outdoor storage use into compliance with the city's future‑land‑use plan.
The Denton City Council on June 16 approved a zoning change that shifts about two acres east of FM 377 from a residential classification to a light industrial zoning district to legalize an existing pipe‑supply and outdoor storage operation. Shawn Jacobson, senior planner, told council the change is consistent with the city’s updated future land‑use map and follows the property’s increasing commercial context.
Staff said the site developed without required permits and has since applied for a certificate of occupancy; rezoning would align the property’s use with the city’s comprehensive plan and require additional review for outdoor storage through a Specific Use Permit. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 6–1.
Council discussion focused on the city’s goal of gaining compliance for properties that begin operating before securing approvals. One council member said approving the rezoning risks creating a precedent for seeking forgiveness after violating rules; another emphasized the value of bringing the site into compliance rather than pursuing enforcement alone.
A representative from District 6 moved the motion and it was seconded; the rezoning passed on a 4–2 recorded vote. No members of the public spoke in opposition during the public hearing, and staff said there were no responses from the standard public notice radius.
The action does not immediately authorize outdoor storage without further review; staff said any outdoor storage on the site will require a separate SUP and design review to ensure buffers and operational standards are met. The city will also follow its usual permitting and building‑inspection procedures to verify code compliance moving forward.
The council’s approval resolves the present nonconformity but leaves open permit compliance steps and any future SUP review required to allow outdoor storage operations under the light industrial zoning.
