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Planning commission narrowly approves Craver Ranch comp-plan change after heated public comment
Summary
The Denton Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4–2 to approve a change to the future land-use map that would allow a 2,500‑acre Craver Ranch master-planned community to replace existing agricultural designation, following extensive staff presentation, developer pitch and objections from nearby landowners about traffic, water and fiscal impacts.
The Denton Planning & Zoning Commission on Wednesday approved 4–2 a comprehensive-plan amendment that would change roughly 2,500 acres of agricultural land to a master-planned community, clearing the way for the Craver Ranch development to proceed to later zoning and infrastructure approvals. Chair Pruitt opened a lengthy public hearing and staff summarized the application, saying the proposal would allow a mix of housing, commercial space and public facilities and that staff recommends approval.
Developers and their consultants described a master plan that would include over 7,000 single-family homes, approximately 1,084 townhome/zero-lot-line units, up to about 10,015 multifamily-capable units (reallocable by the PD), roughly 360 acres of parkland and two school sites. Developer counsel Alexa Knight said, “This is a 2,500 acre master plan community that’s one of the largest contiguous areas owned by a single entity remaining within the city limits,” and highlighted proposed land donations and infrastructure contributions.
During public comment, dozens of nearby residents argued the amendment was premature and inconsistent with the Denton 2040 plan’s emphasis on contiguous development. Speakers raised concerns about traffic on FM 428 and Sherman Drive, whether TxDOT’s outer-loop alignment might bisect private properties, and groundwater/well supply. Winter Anderson, a local ranching family member, implored the commission to require stronger water stewardship: “The aquifers are significantly low … deeper, bigger wells are not the solution.” Other commenters cited fiscal risks and long-term maintenance costs that they said could burden taxpayers.
Commissioners discussed infrastructure, notification and fiscal analyses during deliberations. Staff and the developer said traffic demand modeling was completed and that the developer will provide utility easements and an operating agreement via a municipal management district (MMD). Interim director Charlie Rosenthal said the city has engaged AECOM on fiscal impact work and that some land/financial commitments have been negotiated. After debate, the commission voted to approve the comprehensive-plan amendment 4–2. The item will proceed to City Council for final action.
