[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6592690,"mediaKeyId","2801282-6c140024701df8c2d8e57a0c446c360d","parentId",2801282,"title","Commission approves Title 20 amendments to C-5 downtown code to encourage housing and clarify uses","audioSeconds",1270,"startMs",6228000,"endMs",7498000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2801282-6c140024701df8c2d8e57a0c446c360d&start=6228&end=7498","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2801282-6c140024701df8c2d8e57a0c446c360d/thumbnail_6228000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6592690/El-Paso-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/Commission-approves-Title-20-amendments-to-C-5-downtown-code-to-encourage-housing-and-clarify-uses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592690-a253fa18616ae0adad535111cd400550/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205170&Signature=dwBgw10bTHgDyfFQPd6JqHwSt~ltcC0BN3EXa1oSlAfHTUjDEOnlRwbL14z17WJnSlJy9vp6sFeWCDG-k8-SlEnuaKUA7NmXiVfEcOiUlmq9mzz823LWTHP3vpvzy7Lf93JIPASgm-o~YPs86oXLhuC1VdkwOXb5WLg6J8nqGeSKtS1VC9V~xX611en46KoVqVcuN1F1N0YYuz1HxAvX3sr5mDJD-AOGdQNHKSKA5Muw-~gh95tqlV8Cf~Cejoxm49IysRHlhTlQ5ZbpMr76M11uJuWjXaO4KRT0AvZjpMdxnJmsDpwvS-YuOq9~cVNpzWptx5r-CbZ7-0Tr3nyttw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of El Paso TX","date","2025-03-27T21:36:12.153Z","article","The City Planning Commission on March 26 recommended approval of targeted amendments to Title 20 zoning rules for the C-5 commercial district in downtown and adjacent Uptown areas.

Planning staff and the city’s director of economic and international development presented the changes as a focused update to align the zoning code with the downtown housing and economic strategies in the city’s plans and to remove outdated or incompatible supplemental regulations. Staff explained the amendments are limited to the redlined C-5 district on the downtown map and do not rezone properties; rather, they change which uses are permitted or how certain uses are regulated under C-5.

Why it matters: The amendments are intended to make it easier to site housing-supporting uses and neighborhood retail in downtown, to reduce regulatory confusion that can deter investments and to create clearer pathways for adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Staff emphasized the changes are part of a phased code update tied to the city’s housing goals for downtown.

Key changes

- Remove heavy industrial and highly incompatible uses from the C-5 district (for example, shaft mining, outdoor shooting ranges, large-scale industrial uses inappropriate for an urban core).
- Clarify and permit childcare facilities of Type 3 in the district (other childcare types already permitted elsewhere in C-5); note that child-care licensing and state oversight remain separate.
- Add a defined \"corner store\" retail use with associated parking and design standards to support neighborhood-serving retail at street level.
- Allow certain self-storage uses only with requirements that keep first-floor street activity (office or commercial activation) and limit the percentage of a building devoted to storage; support adaptive reuse conversions of existing structures.
- Remove outdated supplemental regulations that imposed employee-count limits or other unenforceable rules on neighborhood uses.

Implementation and incentives

Economic and international development staff described an existing grant pilot program that has supported downtown housing projects (one previously approved grant included $4 million in upfront assistance for a project that restored a historic building and added 99 units). Staff also described public-facility-corporation mechanisms the city may use to purchase and assemble properties to facilitate housing projects. Planning staff said any property-specific changes would still follow standard rezoning or permitting processes; the amendments are intended to make appropriate uses clearer and more streamlined.

Quotes

\"We want to make it very apparent right up front that that's something that you're allowed to do and not have to go through additional rounds of review,\" Karina Brasgala, director of Economic and International Development, said of the proposed C-5 clarifications.

Ending

The commission voted to forward the Title 20 amendments for City Council consideration. Staff said the update is the first of several code-cleanup and modernization phases to support downtown housing and mixed uses; additional amendments will address accessory dwelling units, parking and other code sections in subsequent phases.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Plan Commission 3/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved targeted amendments to the C‑5 zoning district in downtown El Paso to clarify permitted neighborhood commercial uses, support residential development and remove outdated supplemental regulations.","taxTitle","El Paso City, El Paso County, Texas","taxId",2792,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6592694,"Commission approves comp-plan amendment and rezoning near Mount Carmel Cemetery over split vote",2860,2803000,5663000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2801282-6c140024701df8c2d8e57a0c446c360d&start=2803&end=5663","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2801282-6c140024701df8c2d8e57a0c446c360d/thumbnail_2803000.jpg","/articles/6592694/El-Paso-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/Commission-approves-comp-plan-amendment-and-rezoning-near-Mount-Carmel-Cemetery-over-split-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592694-2519ae90d66b00f0dc2310ea547c2da3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205170&Signature=ciA4BVOvRrJoPLs8VAVGrFfuf2zCoxGga8SogJtxV0rt7F1t-sWYuhUU2eJVCzFWiUU1PGSxBWMKTYul-yMX~ernl5L62unJ38FcpWHuyn4NTgORfO7iHV7zJ72WAD2HBDDqqotrxHws0Bd2iJf4G9Y6lCaOQW3jkTnf6QbaNjJUut2S0d2cWQ3Uo~kcQ9G7Gvo3QwV3o7XvetLRMKwLPyY08nHDal4RlSkF3~Eagf2AwtCP1yoz-CAPURcibEaP7YFFzc5XCYA7N~yKbTdIX~AV-iuDwCZHC97o2aDJV46-onfXzV8JqAsCT6PYqJHXx1N7RU~sl~t0G1cYffiUtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Planning Commission on March 26 approved an amendment to the future land use map and a rezoning for property north of Americas Avenue and west of Southside Road that will allow commercial and industrial development where the plan previously designated preserve and agricultural uses.

Planning staff described the request as a cleanup to match existing commercial and industrial zoning that has emerged around the Saragosa Port of Entry. The commission approved both the comprehensive-plan amendment (changing portions designated O-1 Preserve and O-3 Agriculture to G-7 Industrial and Rail Yard) and the rezoning from Ranch and Farm (RF) to C-4 (commercial) after debates about the site’s proximity to Mount Carmel Cemetery and neighborhood concerns.

Why it matters: The approvals change the long-term future land use and zoning for land at an entry corridor into El Paso and enable a planned industrial park that the applicant says will leverage proximity to the international border and the Saragosa port of entry. Commissioners required specific conditions intended to reduce impacts on the cemetery and nearby residences.

Key conditions and developer commitments

- A 10-foot landscape buffer along properties adjacent to Mount Carmel Cemetery and Ranch and Farm districts.
- No building within 50 feet of property lines adjacent to Mount Carmel Cemetery and adjacent Ranch and Farm zones.
- Prohibition on automotive recycling collection facilities and automotive-related uses listed by staff.
- No heavy truck trailers will be parked for loading/unloading within 100 feet of the subject property adjacent to the cemetery.
- A minimum 500-foot separation between the property line and any establishment that both derives 51% or more of revenue from on-premise alcohol sales and provides outdoor amplified sound.

Discussion and community input

Planning staff said notices were mailed and posting requirements met; staff reported no written opposition from the public for the specific amendment under consideration, although commissioners and other speakers recalled prior Plan El Paso public outreach that had designated part of the area as preserved. Several commissioners cited the cemetery’s proximity as a significant consideration and requested strong buffering and design mitigation. The applicant said it has purchased some parcels and is under contract on others and described a planned industrial park branded in presentation materials as Formation Park at El Camino Real. The applicant said the buyer is the developer and that the seller is the Catholic diocese; Catholic Properties El Paso stated its support for the proposal in the meeting.

A divided vote

The planning commission approved both the comprehensive-plan amendment and the rezoning after a roll-call vote that recorded four ayes and three nays. Commissioners voting yes included Commissioner Masood, Commissioner Gorski, Commissioner Oribe and Commissioner Verrego (listed in the roll call). Commissioners Reyes, Carrillo and Hanssen recorded no votes. After the roll call the chair announced the motion passed 4–3.

Quotes

\"We recognize the sacredness of what's happening just to the north of us,\" the applicant's representative said, noting purchase agreements with the Catholic diocese and describing design measures the applicant proposed to screen the cemetery from industrial operations.

\"If we're going to change this, let's do something creative. But at least respect the community,\" a commissioner said during debate, urging adherence to prior community input embodied in Plan El Paso.

Ending

The approvals permit the applicant to proceed with zoning that enables high-intensity commercial and industrial uses on land the applicant says is no longer farmed and is commercially active. Commissioners added conditions intended to limit noise, heavy-truck parking and visual impacts abutting Mount Carmel Cemetery. The items will move forward to city council as part of the development process and remain subject to any required administrative or external approvals (for example, site-specific permits and applicable state right-of-way coordination).","The commission approved a comprehensive-plan amendment and rezoning to allow a new industrial/warehouse development adjacent to Mount Carmel Cemetery. The measures passed 4–3 after extensive discussion about cemetery adjacency, future land use and community outreach.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6592699,"City Planning Commission approves package of subdivision and rezoning items; sidewalk and parking exceptions noted",1448,2481000,3929000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2801282-6c140024701df8c2d8e57a0c446c360d&start=2481&end=3929","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2801282-6c140024701df8c2d8e57a0c446c360d/thumbnail_2481000.jpg","/articles/6592699/El-Paso-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/City-Planning-Commission-approves-package-of-subdivision-and-rezoning-items-sidewalk-and-parking-exceptions-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592699-d1ba27a2e251e83eae85fb773282590c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205170&Signature=DoeIiBXNHUgVaEmFMxD4IwxXzQXFfl74763mGYFMrZR3TEVZ1dia9mLMUMe-5sV1dsOpMYuhBbHqt0q5hved-ksR~Uto2v4npEm1qLtNFPFfgl-fHiTKUU7NCINoL66ZbgKn8uxviA1EKdQOvc~1p9T9TBU5JYFZSgv0MM8QVw3QC3eWufl9~vpdh~MzuXZmvKmJeGbmqLDYudzKl9~UnAegOh6QLgHADVJTiThaW4hqK6HakwdNpAyLdMucU5Gvrc6nuvdMOghGEVnGH~LZJWIu-ON9ksqX6HimdO9qXX~sfVSYFZOosipao5jhMON8S9H2h58dW3dLPQkVs-Lq9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Paso City Planning Commission on March 26 approved a package of subdivision, resubdivision and rezoning requests, granting the exceptions applicants requested for sidewalks, planter strips and right-of-way in several cases and approving two apartment-related items that increase housing capacity.

Commissioners approved the following matters after staff presentations and brief applicant remarks: Store and Estates (major combination subdivision with three exceptions), Boardwalk at the Outlet (major final with a requirement that a major thoroughfare plan amendment be approved prior to recordation), LFC Subdivision (major combination with four exceptions), El Bronco De Allende Estates (major combination with one sidewalk exception in TxDOT right of way), Tierra Del Este Unit 94 (major combination with modification to allow Block 119 to exceed the 2,400-foot block-perimeter standard), IB Interstate Industrial Center 1 (resubdivision/combination with sidewalk exceptions requested), Richmond Unit 4 Replat A (resubdivision/combination with sidewalk and roadway exceptions) and a pair of items to add eight apartment units via rezoning and a special permit (items 13 and 14).

Why it matters: These approvals allow multiple developers to move to final plat or permit stages for projects that will create commercial lots, residential lots and multi-family capacity. Several approvals included exceptions to bring new plats into alignment with existing, substandard street conditions; those exceptions generally were justified by staff as meeting Title 19 criteria and as matching existing conditions on the streets.

Highlights and key details

- Store and Estates (major combination): Applicant requested three exceptions — to waive 6 feet of sidewalk along South Desert Boulevard, to waive a 5-foot planter strip along Thorne Avenue and to waive 1 foot of roadway along Thorne Avenue. Staff recommended approval; the commission approved the item with a caveat that sidewalks be provided if TxDOT later allows them.

- Boardwalk at the Outlet (major final): Final plat approved on condition that the major thoroughfare plan amendment be approved by city council before final recordation.

- LFC Subdivision: Applicant requested waivers including a 10-foot dedication of right-of-way and other roadway/planter modifications to match existing conditions; staff recommended approval and the commission approved as proposed.

- El Bronco De Allende Estates: Request to waive 1 foot of sidewalk along Alameda Avenue (TxDOT right of way). Staff recommended approval; the commission approved. Staff agreed to investigate an adjacent pile of tires reported by a commissioner to verify compliance with storage requirements.

- Tierra Del Este Unit 94: Approved with condition that the applicant landscape the rear of double-frontage lots in accordance with Title 19; the case was found to conform to an existing Tierra Del Este land study and was granted vested-rights status for earlier submittals.

- IB Interstate Industrial Center 1: Applicant proposed 5-foot sidewalks where Title 19 requires 6 feet. Planning staff and the applicant cited existing 5-foot sidewalks in nearby TxDOT right-of-way and TxDOT concurrence. A commissioner moved to approve WITHOUT the exceptions (i.e., requiring a 6-foot sidewalk), and the commission ultimately approved the item without the sidewalk exceptions (the commission required the 6-foot sidewalks).

- Richmond Unit 4 Replat A: Applicant requested to waive a 5-foot sidewalk and 3.7 feet of roadway to match existing cul-de-sac conditions; staff recommended approval and the commission approved.

- Items 13 and 14 (2821 North Kansas Street): A rezoning from A-2 to A-3 and a special permit for additional apartment units and a parking reduction were approved; the applicant presented a parking study showing off-site spaces available and neighborhood representatives indicated no objection after meetings.

Quotes reflecting process and concerns

\"If TxDOT does allow the sidewalks, the client will provide the sidewalks along the I-10 service road,\" a planning commissioner said while moving approval of item 3. \"We really have to coordinate that with TxDOT when that time comes,\" applicant Conrad Conde with Conde Incorporated said about street improvements along the I-10 corridor.

Ending

Most votes on the consent and regular plats were routine approvals after staff presentations and applicant concurrence with staff conditions. Commissioners asked staff to pursue follow-up checks (for example, to verify a reported pile of tires near one site). Several approvals included conditions tied to later, external approvals such as thoroughfare-plan amendments or TxDOT acceptance for work in state right-of-way.

","At its March 26 meeting the City Planning Commission approved a set of subdivision, replat and rezoning items on the consent and regular agendas, granting several exceptions for sidewalks, right-of-way and parking as requested by applicants.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves Title 20 amendments to C-5 downtown code to encourage housing and clarify uses

Commission approves comp-plan amendment and rezoning near Mount Carmel Cemetery over split vote

City Planning Commission approves package of subdivision and rezoning items; sidewalk and parking exceptions noted