Council approves Big Pantry conditional-use permit to add liquor store entrance, asks staff to study liquor zoning

The council approved a conditional-use permit for Big Pantry (CUP 2024-0004) to add a liquor store module to an existing convenience store at 1111 Fort Worth Highway after a public hearing and staff presentation. Planning staff told the council the site is currently nonconforming and the CUP includes five conditions recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission; the commission had voted unanimously to recommend approval with those conditions.

Engineer Pravin KC identified himself as the engineer of record and said the proposal would not include a drive-through. Staff (Mister Kettner) explained the liquor store would have its own entrance separate from the convenience store and confirmed the liquor license process is a separate state-regulated step. On the council dais, the mayor said he remained concerned about alcohol-density effects and requested staff review options such as distance setbacks or conditional-use requirements for liquor stores: "I am concerned about the density of alcohol sales in our community."

Council moved and approved the CUP with the conditions listed in the packet. Planning staff said they will prepare options for the Planning & Zoning Commission to consider potential amendments to zoning regulations regarding liquor outlets and setbacks.

Why it matters: The decision allows an established business to modernize and expand its offerings while prompting staff review of liquor-store zoning to prevent potential overconcentration in corridor areas. The approval included conditions recommended by P&Z and passed after public confirmation that the addition is not a drive-through.