Forney commission approves ordinance defining 'donation collection centers' with conditional-use requirement

The Forney City Commission approved an ordinance amending the City of Forney comprehensive zoning ordinance to add a definition and zoning regulations for a "donation collection center" and to require approval through the conditional use permit process.

Staff told commissioners the proposed use would not include on-site retail sales and is distinct from standalone drop-off kiosks and used-merchandise retail stores. "This use being proposed would not include any retail sales on the property," the staff presenter said, and concluded, "Staff does recommend approval." The ordinance would permit donation collection centers in the General Retail, Commercial, and Light Industrial districts only with a conditional use permit and a site plan showing loading and storage details.

Commissioners asked whether a specific vacant building on Broad Street (across from Carter Automotive) in the General Retail District was the site of interest; staff said the applicant has indicated a Broad Street location and would need to submit a conditional use permit application and site plan before any operations could begin. The public hearing was opened and, with no members of the public coming forward, the commission closed the hearing, voted on a motion to approve the ordinance as drafted, and the motion carried.

The ordinance change sets procedural and zoning safeguards — including marking any loading areas and restricting outside storage — so that staff and the planning body can assess location-specific impacts before a donation collection center opens.