Commission approves Encore substation with masonry screening for nearby residences

The City of Grand Prairie Planning and Zoning Commission on July 14 approved a site plan and variance package for an Encore electrical substation at 1650 West Oakdale Road, adding conditions to protect adjacent residences.

Staff presented three variances for the project: towers taller than the 50-foot zoning height limit to accommodate transmission lines, a reduced landscape/tree requirement because a 150-foot utility easement bisects the parcel, and permission to use compacted soil and gravel for equipment-pad surfacing instead of concrete. Ashley Miller of Encore told commissioners the substation "will backstand and offload those existing stations" to serve growing local demand and estimated the facility would be energized in December 2027. The applicant said the site ties into two nearby substations and is intended to address load growth in the area.

Commissioners raised concerns about proximity to residences and screening. Staff noted the northern property line abuts a light-industrial zoning district and said the Unified Development Code (UDC) does not require a masonry screening wall on that side. Commissioner John Federco moved to approve the staff recommendations with one additional requirement: construct an 8-foot masonry screening wall along the eastern property line facing residences, and require an 8-foot fence (masonry or wood as the council determines) along the northern edge. The motion passed unanimously.

The approval sends the site plan and staff conditions to city council for final action and any required permits, including civil construction approvals and environmental permitting prior to building permits. Construction would begin after council approval and civil work; the applicant estimated energizing the substation by late 2027 if approvals proceed on schedule.