By Megan Wehring
The Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission approved removing the lot depth requirement to the Plum Creek MXD (mixed use) zoning district.
The request made by the Community Development Department was approved by a two-vote majority. Staff is reviewing the first vertical mixed-use project in the Plum Creek Uptown District, split into two phases.
Approximately 300 acres, the urban project is located at the northwest corner of Kohler’s Crossing and Farm-to-Market 1626.
Removing the l...
By Megan Wehring
The Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission approved removing the lot depth requirement to the Plum Creek MXD (mixed use) zoning district.
The request made by the Community Development Department was approved by a two-vote majority. Staff is reviewing the first vertical mixed-use project in the Plum Creek Uptown District, split into two phases.
Approximately 300 acres, the urban project is located at the northwest corner of Kohler’s Crossing and Farm-to-Market 1626.
Removing the lot depth requirement will be applicable for all future projects in the district. City planner William Atkinson said the amendment will allow for more flexibility and align with other city projects.
“Not having a lot depth requirement is actually how most of our zoning districts work in the city of Kyle,” Atkinson said. “We have a minimum lot width. This isn’t anything new to us and we also have requirements for standard lot design too.”
Commissioner Paul Scheibmeir raised a question about using a variance request or conditional use permit to get the depth requirement removed. Atkinson clarified bringing forth an amendment is more likely to get approved.
“When it comes to the Board of Adjustment, they look at variances from a coding standpoint,” Atkinson said. “We believe that making it to the Board of Adjustment is not likely to be approved just because it’s not a hardship from a code perspective.”
Commissioner Michele Christie is concerned that the amendment will set a dangerous precedent in the long-run.
“You have a project where it should rightfully go to the Board of Adjustment,” Christie said. “We’re saying we are going to change an ordinance for one project. How many times have we, in the city, had to deal with this issue before this project?”
Atkinson clarified that the first-time issue in the Plum Creek zoning district will help planning for future projects.
“I don’t think we are setting a dangerous precedent honestly,” Atkinson said. “Yes, this is the first project going through but it’ll also help other projects be more successful too.”