Ennis commission denies two rezoning requests after neighbors object

The Ennis City Commission voted on Aug. 19 to deny two rezoning applications for small parcels along South Interstate 45 after neighbors said commercial uses would be incompatible with the surrounding single-family neighborhoods.

Neighbors who live directly behind the properties presented packed public hearings for both items, saying the lots are too small for typical commercial development and that rezoning would allow uses that could harm safety and property values. Matthew Stubbs, chair of the Ennis Parks and Recreation Board and a resident at 902 Oak Drive, told the commission the 1.763-acre parcel in Item F1 could support eight single-family homes but is being targeted for speculative commercial zoning. "This isn't a thoughtful plan development," Stubbs said, citing drainage and proximity to homes.

City staff reported the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended against the larger parcel, which the commission said conflicted with the adopted future land-use plan and drew protests from nearby property owners. For Item F1 staff said Planning and Zoning voted 0–6 against the change and that returned protests exceeded the 20% threshold that triggers a supermajority requirement. After the public hearing, Commissioner Jones moved to deny the rezoning; the motion passed by voice vote and the change was denied.

A second request for a 0.097-acre rear parcel (Item F2) drew similar neighborhood objections. Multiple residents, including Ronnie Smolik and Anthony Lawrence, said the parcel should remain residential; Stubbs reiterated that the city needs more housing rather than corridor commercial sites adjacent to established yards. Planning and Zoning recommended approval for the small parcel (4–2), but staff again reported protesting property owners exceeded the 20% threshold. Commissioner Jones moved to deny Item F2 and the commission adopted the motion.

The commission’s votes leave the parcels at their existing single-family R5 zoning. Staff and residents emphasized that rezoning would not guarantee the applicant's proposed design or uses in perpetuity, and several commissioners noted that the city has limited tools to bind future buyers to the applicant’s concept plan. The mayor closed both public hearings after hearing neighborhood concerns and staff’s land-use analysis.

The denials were formal votes of the commission; no further action on these parcels was taken at the Aug. 19 meeting.