Commission unanimously rezones 10.8-acre tract on Jones Road for EOG Resources after residents press drainage, road and hydrant concerns

The Weatherford Planning Commission unanimously approved a zoning map amendment to change roughly 10.764 acres at 395 Jones Road from AG (Agriculture) to I (Industrial) and approved a related final plat for an EOG Resources addition.

Staff described the site as already being used for light industrial activities and hydrocarbon research and said the general plan shows manufacturing and warehouse uses. "This is a proposed zoning map amendment from agriculture to industrial," staff member Sergio told the commission and recommended approval. Chris Schutze, representing EOG Resources, said the request would expand the existing use to the north with two additional buildings for office and testing space and that the existing facility currently has 10 employees and the expansion does not intend to add staff.

Residents who live near Jones Road raised repeated concerns during the public comment period. Patricia Prater, who said she lives at 506 Jones Road and received the required notice, asked what plans exist to improve the narrow, deteriorated road if the development increases traffic: "For the last 18 years, we've not had any improvements on a very small road... Semis are on this road all day." Debbie Carney said the neighborhood lacks fire hydrants and described a prior fire response where crews could not find hydrants; Harold Swain said he has had "two mirrors knocked off" his pickup because two vehicles cannot safely pass on parts of Jones Road; Leonard Anthony asked the commission to address a chronic drainage problem near a mobile home park at 200 Jones Road.

Scott McDonald, director of development services, told the commission the property was annexed into the city with placeholder AG zoning and that rezoning aligns the parcel’s zoning with existing land use. McDonald said the city is escrowing funds for roadway improvements and that roadway and drainage impacts will be evaluated when the applicant submits civil engineering drawings: "When we receive the civil drawings for the work that's gonna be performed, we'll evaluate the drainage concerns... and any of the traffic impact potential that may be there." The applicant also told the commission there are approximately three truck deliveries a week and no plans to increase the employee count.

After discussion, the commission voted unanimously to approve the zoning map amendment and the final plat, with staff to carry forward the stated review of roadway and drainage when building and civil plans are submitted.

Next steps: The applicant must submit civil engineering and building plans for staff review, at which point staff will evaluate required roadway improvements, drainage mitigation and any needed public‑infrastructure work before permits are issued.