Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gunter council approves amendments to BNSF development agreement, keeps 500‑ft buffer
Summary
Council approved amendments to a January development agreement with BNSF that shorten annexation timing to 36 months, clarify permitted uses for two southern lots, and allow an operating rail track through the buffer while maintaining a 500‑foot buffer and an additional 300‑foot setback for unenclosed heavy industrial uses.
After executive session staff returned with proposed amendments to the city’s development agreement with BNSF (originally executed January 21, 2025). The amendments would shorten the timeline for county‑annexation of certain parcels to 36 months after zoning approval, clarify fencing/buffer language, and permit an operating track through the 500‑foot buffer to allow trains to enter and exit the property (but not to sit within the buffer).
A principal focus of the amendment is permitted uses on two south parcels (initially called Lot 5/Lot 13 in the agreement): the city will allow the stated industrial uses but will require an additional 300‑foot setback from the buffer for heavier uses that are not fully enclosed; enclosed fabrication or manufacturing operations would not require the additional 300‑foot setback beyond the 500‑foot buffer.
Council members asked clarifying questions about whether the buffer is being reduced (staff emphasized it is not) and sought confirmation that only a single in‑and‑out track will be allowed through the buffer. After public clarification from a resident on track count, a council member moved to accept the amendments as discussed; the motion passed unanimously.
