Planning and Zoning Commission approves design exception for Henry Street multifamily in McKinney

The City of McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a design-exception request for a proposed multifamily project at 320 West Henry Street, closing the public hearing and voting 7-0 to approve the item.

Kiara Robinson, Downtown Development Planner, told the commission: "The property's size is approximately 0.3 0.327 acres, and the proposed development is 8,450 square feet." Robinson said the request seeks two design exceptions: an alternative screening device using a continuous six-foot evergreen and a deviation from the gable roof pitch standard of 5/12 to the proposed pitch of 4. Robinson said staff supports the exception because the proposed architecture "generally conform[s] with the requirements" and the screening is compatible with neighboring residential uses.

During questioning, commissioners asked about parking for an adjacent religious assembly and unit layout. Applicant Casey McBroom of Cross Engineering, who identified himself to the commission, said the lot had been used historically for parking and that the reduced roof pitch was an architectural preference: "I believe it was just aesthetics." No members of the public spoke on the item. Commissioner Hammock moved to close the public hearing and approve the item; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Conrad and passed unanimously.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed with the site plan as modified by the approved design exceptions; any building permits or further administrative approvals will follow standard staff review processes.