Weatherford council approves multiple plats and permits, tables Selby Hill to July 16

Weatherford City Council approved a package of land-use items Tuesday night, including a final plat for a QT convenience site, conditional use permits for Russell Feed and JRJ Construction, and the final plans for the Heritage Trails residential development. Several Selby Hill items were tabled to the council's July 16 meeting to allow an adjoining jurisdiction (Hudson Oaks) to complete a release.

Public comment accompanied several agenda items. Danielle Ames told the council she had just learned the QT final-plat application affected property next to her family's home and asked whether the private easement road adjacent to the proposed development would remain private. "So it's too late to voice my opinion on it?" Danielle asked. Assistant City Manager Arnold responded that she could speak during public comment and staff would follow up directly: "You certainly can use your time to speak, but the council still has the option to vote as this separate item for the final plat," Arnold said, and staff offered to contact the resident with details.

Robert McClure, who also said he represents family members living on the easement, said he worried about traffic flowing past his mother's house after construction and asked staff to clarify how the road would connect to the development. Mayor Paschal directed staff to contact him with clarification.

Key approvals and actions

- QT 1948 (final plat): Approved. Staff recommended approval of the final plat for a two-lot division of a 9.043-acre tract near South Main Street; the council voted to approve the final plat after a pulled-consent agenda public comment.

- Russell Feed & Supply (CUP 2024-0005): Approved with four conditions. Staff presented an amendment to an existing conditional use permit at 2610 South Main Street to add outside storage and a new hay barn; the applicant, Kenny Russell, said the hay barn will be open on two sides and that the fire chief had reviewed ventilation and stacking limits. Mayor Pro Tem Addie Wilder and other council members praised the expansion and voted to approve the conditional use permit with conditions addressing screening and safety.

- JRJ Construction (ZCH2024-0007 / CUP2024-006): Approved with conditions. The council approved rezoning and a CUP to allow JRJ Construction headquarters, screened outside storage for vehicles and containers, and proposed masonry screening for storage areas.

- Heritage Trails final plans (188 lots): Approved. Developer Brandon Cook said construction would likely take two to three years depending on sales pace and that the developer plans to prioritize the dog park and other amenities; council approved the final plans and the renderings required by the prior ordinance.

- Selby Hill zoning and preliminary plat items: Tabled to July 16, 2024. Staff and the applicant requested tabling while Hudson Oaks completes a release for the portion of the property in its extraterritorial jurisdiction; the council voted to table the items with the public hearing remaining open.

What the council asked staff to follow up on: Several residents asked for clarification about private easement roads and traffic patterns related to the QT site; staff (Assistant City Manager Arnold) agreed to contact the speakers and provide additional information. The council also required that approved CUPs meet specified screening and maintenance conditions in their ordinances.

The meeting concluded with the council moving the July meeting from July 23 to July 16 to preserve quorum, and the council adjourned at 7:18 p.m.