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Commission approves MF‑2 zoning for 5.6‑acre tract amid sewer and traffic caveats
Summary
The commission rezoned a 5.617‑acre tract in the 700 block to MF‑2 (up to 22 units/acre) after the applicant said public‑works issues could be mitigated and that he would work with the city on infrastructure. Commissioners approved the change but noted sewer‑capacity and traffic‑mitigation (possible road work) remain conditions for future development approvals.
The Ennis City Commission voted April 21 to rezone a roughly 5.617‑acre tract in the 700 block from single‑family R‑10 to multifamily MF‑2 (maximum 22 units per acre), allowing a developer to proceed toward site planning subject to infrastructure review.
Architect Elias Rodriguez, speaking for the applicant, told the commission he had met with public‑works staff and generated traffic and utility summaries, including TxDOT traffic counts. Rodriguez said the developer understood sewer capacity issues remained under study and was prepared to design needed lift‑station or off‑site improvements and to limit building plans if required.
Public‑works staff and the commission emphasized that rezoning does not guarantee construction; utility capacity (particularly downstream wastewater conveyance) must be resolved before permits are issued. Staff repeatedly noted the capacity study remained incomplete and that some building adjustments or off‑site improvements could be required to secure final plat and infrastructure approvals.
Commissioners discussed traffic mitigation options, including potential developer assistance to extend Sonoma Trail to relieve short‑term congestion, and asked for clear commitments on what infrastructure the developer would fund. The developer indicated an intention to work with staff on road improvements if necessary.
The motion to approve the MF‑2 zoning passed in open session; commissioners instructed staff to continue close review of water and wastewater impacts and to require compliance with public‑works conditions before issuance of development permits.
What this means: Rezoning moves the property to a zoning category that permits denser multifamily development, but the developer must still meet infrastructure, capacity and permitting requirements. If the sewer capacity study indicates significant upgrades are needed, the developer will have to either fund those improvements or reduce the project scope to meet existing capacity.
