Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes - 01/08/2025 MINUTES
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
January 8, 2025
PRESENT:
Jeremy Woodward *Vice-Chair
Blake Haney *Member
Michael Grassi *Member
Steve Wood *Member
Doug McCulloch *Member
Brady Enlow *Member
Jack Browne *Alternate No.1
Richard Milhollon •SAFB Liaison
Fabian Medellin, Planning Manager *City Staff
Cedric Hu, Planning Technician *City Staff
Tyson Traw-Deputy Director Public *City Staff
Works
ABSENT:
Alan Sizemore *Member
1440 Noros Martin *Member
Matt Marrs *Member
Aston Pecor Alternate No.2
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Jeremy Woodward at 2:00pm.
II. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there were any comments from the
public for any items not on the agenda. No one from the public had any
comments.
III. Swearing in of all 2025 Planning and Zoning Commissioners.
Christal Cates swears the Commissioners in:
Do you solemnly swear (or affirm), that you will faithfully execute the duties
of the office of the Planning & Zoning Commission, and will to the best of
your ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the
United State, and of this State, and the City Charter and Ordinances of the
City of Wichita Falls, so help you God?
All Commissioners swore that they would uphold the oath.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if any of the members of the Commission
have a motion to approve the December 11th, 2024 meeting
minutes. Commissioner Michael Grassi made the motion, and
Commissioner Steven Wood seconded the motion.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if anyone from the public would like to
make a comment. No one came forward with any comments.
Chairman Woodward then took the motion to approve the December 11,
2024 meeting minutes to a vote.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0 in favor.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there was anyone from the public that
would like make any comments about the consent agenda. No one came
forward.
Vice-Chairman Woodward then asked if there were any items that were to
be moved from the consent agenda to the regular agenda. Mr. Fabian
Medellin stated that there were none.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there was a motion to approve the
consent agenda. Commissioner Doug McCulloch made a motion to
approve the minutes and Commissioner Jack Browne seconded the
motion.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there was anyone from the public that
wished to speak. No one came forward.
Vice-Chairman Woodward took the motion to vote, and the motion passed
7-0 in favor.
VI. Regular Agenda
1. Case C24-26 — 5023 Lindale Drive - Consider taking action on a
conditional use to allow for a Private Secondary school in a Single Family
2 (SF2) Zoning District.
Location: 5023 Lindale
Applicant: Chesterton Academy
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there was a motion to approve the case.
Commissioner Brady Enlow made the motion to approve the case and
Commissioner Michael Grassi seconded the motion.
Mr. Fabian Medellin presented the case, and informed the Commission that
this property is located in the southwest side of the city (right across from
the former Rider High school), and is in a Single Family 2 zoning district.
He stated that staff met with some of the Chesterton Academy board, and
discussed the possible purchase of the former Episcopal Church building
and converting it into their private school.
When looking at the use as a school, staff has to look at the impacts to the
area. Mr. Medellin explained that Chesterton is a school with education
based on Christian values, which is small in size with a low teacher to
student ratio. The school is a ninth through twelfth grade school with
hopeful plans of having ten students in each grade. The Commission was
shown various photos of the school and the area surrounding the site. Mr.
Medellin reiterated that the zoning for this area is Single Family 2 that allows
some civic uses, and that the use as a school is something that is
conditionally allowed. There could be impacts,with traffic being the greatest
impact. With plans for Rider High School to be converted to a junior high
and having another elementary school in the area (that being Jefferson
Elementary) we looked into how many new cars/drivers would be
generated. Mr. Medellin has been working with a new high school project
and their design teams. They said generally 25% of the student body in
high schools will drive themselves. So, looking at new cars, or additional
drivers, staff felt that with the transition of Rider High School to a junior high,
that would lower the number of cars for drop offs and pickups at 8:00am
and 3:00 pm. With the number of cars that would be going to Chesterton,
staff did not feel there would really be a net gain in what the neighborhood
is already used to. He added that there are a couple of thoroughfares there
along the property, that gives good flow for the use of the site and ease in
being able to get the cars out of the neighborhood and onto those major
roadways. Mr. Medellin explained that staff did notify the neighboring
properties of the proposed use. He said there were three responses in
favor,with a couple of them being directly adjacent to the site. Most of those
that responded felt that the use would be a good neighbor to them, a good
caretaker of the property, although there were some small concerns about
just having trash being left by students. Overall, staff felt that there would
be minimal impacts to the neighborhood and to the site.
Staff does recommend the approval of the conditional use for the secondary
school at 5023 Lindale Drive with the following condition:
• The development shall comply with the site plan review process and
all applicable building, zoning, health and fire codes leading to the
issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if the applicant would like to make a
presentation or any comments.
Jesse Gorley came to the microphone and stated that his business address
is 1411 Ninth Street. He informed the Commission that he is the President
for the Board for Chesterton Academy, and joining him at the meeting is a
member of the Chesterton Academy Board, Bob Brady.
He stated that the first year that they opened the school was fall of 2023, so
this is their second academic year, which is, as of now, housed in
Burkburnett. Currently there are about a dozen students enrolled at the
school. Two of which are part-time homeschool students and the other ten
are full-time students. The majority of students are from Wichita Falls. At
this time, the school is bussing those students back and forth, which they
hope to eliminate the need to bus students.
The school has the equivalent of four full-time staff on site. (Being an
executive director, a headmaster and two to four faculty members to teach.)
With the concern voiced about trash, he stated that their students do a lot
of the cleaning of the school right now, as part of their moral formation. He
didn't feel that there would be much of an impact to the area in regards to
trash. He pointed out that the current building has been vacant for a couple
of years, and has had some vandalism. He stated with the building in use,
and with the school tending to overgrown vegetation and doing cosmetic
work to the exterior that it will be a benefit to the area and the city.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if anyone from the audience would like to
make a comment? No one came forward.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there was any comments or questions
from the Commission?
Commissioner Doug McCulloch stated that this shouldn't have much of an
impact on traffic, adding that there will actually be less people that the
church had when they were open.
Vice-Chairman Woodward took the motion to approve the conditional use
of the property at 5023 Lindale Drive to be used as a private school.
The motion passed 7-0 in favor.
2. Case C25-01 — 719 10th Street — To consider taking action for a
conditional use to allow a Tattoo Studio in a Central Business Zoning
District (CBD).
Location: 719 10th Street
Applicant: JLM Sunnyside Properties
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there was a motion to approve the case.
Mr. Grassi motioned to approve the case, and Commissioner Jack Browne
seconded the motion.
Mr. Fabian Medellin presented the case and stated that tattoo parlors are
conditionally allowed. He presented pictures of the building and area and
pointed out that the site is on 10th Street between Scott and Indiana Avenue,
and showed that the location is in a structure that is contained on the same
lot as the Kawasaki retail store on the corner of Scott an 10th Street. The
applicant is proposing to lease the space, renovate it, and occupy it. When
the applicant met with staff in December, they were operating in a facility
that did not receive a Certificate of Occupancy for a tattoo parlor, and it
didn't meet their needs and were no longer allowed to operate there. After
finding this location and meeting with the development team, the renovation
that would be required to meet health code requirements for sanitary
purposes was discussed. The proposed floor plan which the applicants
provided shows,that like an art studio, the tattoo parlor will have lots of open
spaces and individual booth areas for different artists. The site itself is a
former restaurant, which the applicants are proposing to lease and
renovate.
Mr. Medellin described the businesses located in the area. Just opposite of
the proposed site is a daycare. The businesses to the north and south of
the site are Pickers Universe along with the Loft restaurant, and there is a
self-storage facility, parking garage, a couple of different offices around the
area as well as Wichita Tower. He stated that there is another existing
tattoo parlor just a couple of doors down from the proposed site, which was
approved by this Commission not too long ago. The proposed business will
be located within our Downtown Central Business district, near the
entertainment portion of our downtown. Close to Wichita Theater, and
some those other recreational uses like the golf factory.
The Commission was informed that staff sent notices out to 16 land owners
around the proposed site, and we received three responses in opposition to
the new tattoo parlor. There were some comments provided on those
responses, however, that feedback was directed specifically at the
proposed owners of the tattoo parlor.
Looking at the commission-specific scope and directives from the
ordinance, Mr. Medellin added that the Commissioners decision needs to
be made based on the proposal of the land use and potential impacts from
that land use. Whether it is height of the building, lighting, impacts to
pedestrian traffic, as well as vehicular traffic. Setting aside owner and use.
So, staff considered the potential impacts of the proposed use, and realized
that the Central Business district has two lives. It has the"day life," its 9:00-
5:00 as well as the recreational life...the evening, weekend and nightlife.
There must be a good balance in order for our downtown to have a vitality
to really flourish. We felt a tattoo parlor can add to that, and the Commission
has approved tattoo parlors in the past. It is a use that can work within that
given district, and we wanted to balance those uses in the area. He
explained that staff looked at things like impacts. Tattoo parlors traditionally
operate on an appointment base with each individual artist. There probably
are not many"walk-ins,"just coming in to try to get a new tattoo. Generally,
those have to be scheduled and time set aside for, especially for the larger
pieces of art. Tattoo parlors traditionally work the normal 9:00-5:00 hours,
but do not typically extend past the 10:00 night time hours.
Mr. Medellin pointed out that with the Central Business district, there aren't
any parking requirements. So, any additional traffic created by their use
would be competing with those other uses now for the same off-street
parking spaces. With that being said, staff felt that there would be minimal
impacts and staff does recommend the conditional use request for the
development of the tattoo studio at 719 10th Street with the following
conditions:
• They must comply with the existing ordinance special conditions as
outlined in 3769, pertaining to the hours of operation excluding 2:00-
5:30 am.
• Limitations on their sign types.
• The conversion of space must comply with all building, health, zoning
and fire codes leading to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if the applicant was present and wished
to make any comments. Mrs. Julie Jordan came forward and stated that
she would love to have the opportunity to open up her tattoo shop and be a
part of the downtown community. She stated that they would be bringing
their own clientele and said they don't rely on walk in clients so much. Their
hours are usually 10:00-2:00 during the weekday and maybe 10:00-6:00pm
on the weekends. She said they don't plan on having late hours, and they
would like to be a big part of the Art Walk, and possibly in the future open a
coffee shop in the front part of the building.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if anyone else from the audience would
like to speak on the matter, and no one came forward.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if any of the Commissioners had any
questions or comments, and none were made.
Attorney Kinley Hegglund stated that the Commission's scope is set up by
the city ordinance. City ordinance 7230 states that the P&Z Commission is
to look at the evaluation criteria set out in 7235.
Mr. McCulloch asked if personal references on the responses are in the
Commissions scope.
Attorney Hegglund said it is not in the Commission's scope.
Vice-Chairman Woodward took the motion to approve the case to a vote.
The motion to approve the case was passed with a vote of 7-0.
3. Case 25-04 — 3302 Seymour Highway — Consider taking action on a
conditional use at 3302 Seymour Highway to allow for the use of a
Warehouse Facility located in a General Commercial Zoning District.
Location: 3302 Seymour Highway
Applicant: Steelhead Power Company, LLC.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there was a motion to approve.
Mr. Wood motioned to approve the use of a Warehouse Facility located in
a General Commercial zoning district, and Mr. Browne seconded the
motion.
Mr. Medellin presented the case and said it was a unique case because of
the specific request, and that we have to be flexible and open to new
interpretations within our own ordinances to allow for new uses that weren't
considered when our zoning ordinance was adopted, pointing out this being
one of them. He stated that staff met with Les Kreis, the applicant, in regard
to the proposal of placing a warehousing facility to allow for cryptocurrency
mining. When our ordinances were adopted in 1985, this kind of use was
not thought of in terms of land use.
Staff had to look at what are they really doing. They are proposing to place
structures that will house CPU's (Central Processing Units) that will be
doing their mining. Staff felt that was in line with the definition, and use, of
a warehousing facility. Within our General Commercial district, it is
conditionally allowed, so the applicant submitted the paperwork, and that is
why we are here today for them on their behalf.
Mr. Medellin showed pictures of the site and area around it, and described
that it is on Seymour Highway just west of Loop 11, and east of the nature
trail. He stated that it is a large site, but has a number of challenges to it,
citing that there is a vacant structure on the property that previously housed
the ambulatory services (AMR). He pointed out that to the north is the
VVichita River, along with our nature trail. To the east is a couple of self-
storage facilities, and there are some residential uses on West Rogers.
Additionally, to the east you have the Encore Distribution Center (one
reason for this whole request), and there are Grayline offices as well as a
daycare in that area. He added, with the area of the Nature Trail there is
also Tanglewood, and to the south is KAUZ (which is next to some vacate
parcels). Then behind that are more residential uses.
Staff asked the applicant how the facility would function, operationally
speaking, and what they are actually proposing. Once they looked at the
site, the best area for development was the southwest corner, which was
the largest and most even-graded area on the property. There are a couple
of challenges on the rest of the parcel, one being floodplain, and being so
close to the river. The other are elevation/topographical challenges,just as
the name implies, to the west of it is a cliff. It's a nature bluff. Mr. Medellin
showed additional aerial views of the property pointing out the elevation
differences. That is why the southwest area was selected, however, getting
to that area was another challenge. Mr. Kreis informed our staff that their
company has received preliminary approval for a shared access using the
Encore drive just south of that property. Mr. Medellin showed the
Commission the proposed site plan, and showed where the structures
housing the CPU's processing the crypto mining would be placed. He
stated that there would be ten structures, each with their own electrical
facility services and a telecommunications building, because this site will be
controlled remotely.
Their plan will be split up in two phases. The first phase will be the first
building, its services, and the telecommunication building, as well as
creating the access to the site. The second phase will be the remaining
mine. The proposed general layout was shown to the Commission by Mr.
Medellin. He also added that staff has met with the Fire Marshal, who has
addressed some concerns for emergency access to the site as well as
potential for any fire emergency, or electrical fire emergency. Modifications
to the site plan have been addressed regarding their actual drive aisle to
the site, and the changes of material used and location will require approval
so in the case of an emergency the fire department can gain access to the
site. Mr. Medellin provided a flood plain map to the Commission and
pointed out the issues there, and he provided a topographical map as well,
showing the steep incline on the property. He showed that there is about a
forty-foot difference between the proposed site and the low-lying areas of
the former existing drive to get up to that area. The Encore drive, that is
just to the south of the site, has elevation changes but they are less
significant.
One concern, from our online research, is that other communities with
similar developments have a concern about noise. The applicant has
informed staff that the method they would be using won't be air-cooled, but
will be liquid cooled which is slightly quieter. On average each unit will put
out about 65 decibels, which is equivalent of an indoor office conversation.
Another item staff looked at was visibility, since it is right next to the nature
trial. He added that staff went out and took photos of the site and found that,
because of the thick vegetation between Encore and the subject site, the
proposed area for development isn't visible from the trail. (These pictures
were shown to the Commission at this time.)
Mr. Medellin informed the Commission that, just like any other conditional
use permit, notices were sent out and we did not receive any responses to
the proposed site. With those things considered, and based on the
information provided from the applicant and our own staffs research, staff
does recommend the warehouse facility for cryptocurrency mining
operations at 3302 Seymour Highway, in a General Commercial zoning
district with the following conditions:
• The development shall comply with the site plan review process and
all applicable building, zoning, and fire codes leading to the issuance
of a certificate of occupancy.
• The access drive to the site shall be of a material, and location, with
the approval of the Fire Marshal's office.
• The property shall have a 6-foot fence around the subject site
installed, and maintained, to obscure the view of the site as well as
to obscure any noise from the site.
*Mr. Medellin said that the owner has provided examples of the fence
screening material, and stated that any gates less than 20 feet don't need
to be screened.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if the applicant would like to make a
statement.
Mr. Les Kreis came to the microphone and said he would answer any
questions that the Commission would like to ask.
Mr. McCulloch asked if the applicant would be removing any vegetation
down by the nature trail, and also asked how tall the units would be. Mr.
Kreis said there is no intention to remove the vegetation, and the buildings
would 10 to 15 feet tall, with the unit being about 8 feet tall and the cooling
unit, that goes on top, being about 6 feet in height. Mr. McCulloch's concern
was the view from the nature trail.
Commission Brady Enlow asked what the overall noise impact would be of
it all together. Mr. Kreis stated that they have a site in Ft.Worth that is much
closer to a residential district, and it is about 65 decibels. Mr. Medellin
added that he did research on it, and it is similar to having multiple outdoor
conversations going on at one given time. He also stated that he did take
some decibel reading levels at the proposed site. In the lower areas of the
trail the readings were about 50-60 decibels, and some of the higher areas
(where they get more highway noise — from Seymour Highway) had levels
between 70 to 80 decibels. So, it wouldn't be more than that.
Mr. Kreis added, "when you mentioned it was cryptocurrency, we'll just be
mining specifically Bitcoin. Cryptocurrency is a pretty broad definition, but
we will just be mining Bitcoin. I think that there has been noise issues in
some communities, primarily because the majority of Bitcoin mining is done
with air cooling. You got these really small fans in there, so it's high pitch.
What we do is we do liquid cooling. We're effectively pushing liquid into the
machine that's designed to receive it, and we're just moving the heat using
liquid that's then radiated in the coolers that you're talking about. It's a much,
much different cooling mechanism,than I think the best example of negative
press would be a Granbury, Texas, has had some issues. But that's an air
mining facility, and they're trying to convert that now into a liquid cooling
facility." He clarified that there will be one cooler per container, but there
are multiple fans per chiller. Mr. Kreis also stated that the site would need
maintenance to it, but very little. An employee would go to the site maybe
every week to check on the units, and or do repairs, but for the most part
everything is operated remotely.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there were any other questions from the
Commission, and there were none.
Vice-Chairman Woodward then asked if anyone else from the audience
would like to make any comments, and no one came to the microphone.
Vice-Chairman Woodward then closed the discussion.
Age
Vice-Chairman Woodward took the motion to approve the conditional use
permit, and the motion passed with a vote of 7-0.
Vice-Chairman Woodward stated that the following two cases would be
heard together, because they pertain to the same property located at 1446
Trout Street.
4. Case R25-01 — 1446 Trout Street
Public hearing to consider taking action on a proposed rezone of+/- .75
acres of land located at 1446 Trout Street (.75 AC BLK 10 A-296 — J)
from Single Family-2 (SF2) to Residential Mixed Use Zoning District
(RMU); and amend the Land Use Plan from Low Density Residential to
High Density Residential, to allow for storage facility/units, and
recreational plus common space for Lions Court Apartments (1200
Thompson Rd.)
a) Public Hearing
b) Take Action
Vice-Chairman Woodward stated that there would be a public hearing, and
once the public hearing is closed the Commission will then take action.
Vice-Chairman Woodward opened the public hearing at 2:46pm.
Mr. Fabian Medellin presented the case stating that it would be a two-part
request. Upon talking with the development staff, Lionet informed them that
they had acquired a property right next to their existing facility. The property
had been a residence with a vacant home on the land, which due to
disrepair, the structure had been demolished. After the team from Lionet,
LLC. spoke with the city development team, to see what options they had
for the newly acquired parcel, they decided to use the land to expand their
amenities for their existing apartment complex. Adding a swimming pool,
and adding storage areas for their tenants, as well as for their maintenance.
Then the Lionet team proposed a self-storage facility that would be open to
the greater public. The requested use of a "self-storage facility" is what is
triggering these additional requests. Because it would no longer be
accessory uses supported from the apartments complex, we would now be
looking at creating a new independent use, that being a self-storage facility.
Mr. Medellin showed photos of the property and described where the
location of the property is, being on the central east side of the city near the
intersection of Thompson and Trout. He pointed out that to the west of the
parcel are a few vacant residential lots leading to a small residential
subdivision. To the south are a couple vacant properties (a couple of
residential uses), and a church. To the east is more vacant property that
has multi- family uses, and a couple non-conforming uses which is outside
storage that has been there since the land was annexed from the city. Then
to the north are some large parcel residential properties. The property in
question is independent from the apartment complex.
The property is currently zoned Single Family 2 (SF2), and in order to allow
for the use of a storage facility, the property would need to be rezoned to
Residential Mixed Use (RMU). To allow for a storage facility, in addition to
a rezone, a Conditional Use Permit would need to be approved for that
proposed use.
Mr. Medellin stated that the zoning district would be changed to RMU, as
well as changing the long-term land use plan from Low Density Residential
to High Density Residential. He informed the Commission that as part of
this process, land owners within a 200-foot radius of the site had mailers
sent to them about the proposed use and rezone. We received zero
responses from the land owners.
Mr. Medellin touched on the impacts that the proposed use could have. He
stated that we felt that most apartments have the amenities that Lions Court
Apartments is proposing. They purchased the land next to the complex
because they were landlocked and didn't have any available space to
expand or redevelop on their property for those amenities. He continued
that the we felt there are minimal impacts when it comes to self-storage
facilities. Though some of these facilities can be open 24 hours, it is
typically for users to grab and go when accessing their units to load or
unload their items. Some minor vehicular impacts, but none that would pose
harm to the adjacent properties.
Mr. Medellin said that with the proposed use considered, staff does
recommend the recommendation of the rezone for the property (.75 acres)
to Residential Mixed Use, and amending the land use plan to high density
residential. Staff also recommends the recommendation for the Conditional
Use permit for the self-storage facility with the following conditions:
1) The Conditional Use permit approval is contingent on the approval
of the rezone from City Council.
2) The development shall comply with all applicable building, health,
zoning, codes, leading to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
3) That there will be a screening fence separating any existing
residential uses from the proposed commercial property.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if the applicant was in the audience and
wished to make a presentation? The applicant was present, but did not
wish to make any comments at this time.
Vice-Chairman Woodward then opened the floor to anyone in the audience
that would like to make a comment. No one came forward.
Vice-Chairman Woodward closed the public hearing at 2:53pm.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there was a motion to approve the case.
A motion to approve the case was made by Commissioner Jack Browne, it
was seconded by Commissioner Blake Haney.
Vice-Chairman Woodward said the case was closed for public discussion,
and now opened for discussion by the Commission.
Commissioner Doug McCulloch stated that the amenities are a great asset
for the apartment owners and for the tenants. But because there are no
other self-storage facilities (or commercial) in the area, he felt conflicted to
just stick a storage facility right there, having residential all around it.
Mr. Medellin cited that there are some commercial uses in the area along
Thompson Rd. that had not been mentioned, and stated that there is a
contractor's yard at the Thompson/MLK Blvd intersection. Pointing out that
there is also a church in that area. Mr. Medellin felt we could support this
use because of the amount of vacant land around the site, some which is
already zoned Residential Mixed Use. He presented slides that showed a
large area that is Residential Mixed Use zoning district to the south of the
1446 Trout property that could support commercial expansion. Mr.
Medellin reiterated that a storage facility in the RMU zoning district would
need to be conditionally approved. In a RMU district, residential uses are
allowed by right and the commercial uses would be conditionally allowed.
He added that we would just be expanding the existing RMU district that
borders the property to the south.
Vice-Chairman Woodward took the motion to vote.
The motion was approved 6-1
*Commissioner Doug McCulloch voting against the motion.
5. Case C25-03 — 1446 Trout Street — to consider taking actions to allow
the conditional use for the development of a self-storage in a Single
Family 2 (SF2)zoning district, currently with a rezoning request to rezone
to Residential Mixed Use zoning district. (RMU)
Applicant: Mohammed Shirloo
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there was a motion to approve the case,
Mr. Browne made the motion and Commissioner Blake Haney seconded
the motion.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if the applicant would like to speak, and
he declined.
Vice-Chairman Woodward opened it up to the audience for additional
comments or questions, and no one made any comments.
Vice-Chairman Woodward asked if there were any comments by any of the
Commissioners. Mr. McCulloch asked for clarification, if the new zoning
was now in place. Mr. Medellin stated that it is not in place until the City
Council approves it, and then the ordinance won't take effect until 30 days
after that.
Vice-Chairman Woodward took the motion to a vote, and it passed 6-1.
*Commissioner McCulloch voting against it.
VII. Staff Update
Mr. Medellin updated that a subcommittee joined our Revitalization
Committee at the most recent meeting, and continued discussions on
zoning and ways that the zoning ordinance can be amended, or changed,
to help to support new development or redevelopment within the Central
Wichita Falls revitalization area. With Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's),
we fell that we have received some recommendations where we can
support ADU's on single family lots across the board within the revitalization
area, and still keep the actual zoning district uses intact as they are today.
They also had discussions on the commercial side. They felt that
commercial uses by right, fit within the neighborhood, and the uses that are
conditionally allowed, are vetted here and always in the right circumstances
could be appropriate. They felt that the existing uses, that are listed in our
Brook Avenue district—our commercial corridor, should remain intact. One
area in the zoning ordinance that came up, where we welt some relief could
be provided for new, or redevelopment, is our parking ordinance.
Discussion has held on how parking counts are calculated, and how it
hinders or stops some redevelopment for some of the structures. A lot of
these properties are already built out, and it's difficult to try to retrofit them
with more parking or acquire more property to provide more parking to use
for a building that has been around for 100 years. The committee felt that
parking requirements should be removed from all commercial uses.
Though they felt that residential uses still should provide those parking
areas so we can help reduce congestion on the residential streets that are
already smaller. To help provide spaces on site rather than to use those
spaces on the curb. As the discussions continue, these are all going to be
recommendations that are going to be incorporated into that neighborhood
plan. Eventually, once that's adopted by City Council, draft ordinances will
be written and then vetted through the public, through the Planning and
Zoning Commission and then ultimately to the City Council.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Ch-' - - Woodw- • adjour -j/e meeting at 3:03pm
z /i/25
my oo• ard, ha'' an Date
7b2
ry Flo , Director of Development Date