Planning Commission reviews zoning amendments and electric vehicle growth in Flower Mound

The Flower Mound Planning and Zoning Commission convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including public comments, future meetings, and updates on development priorities.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and a reminder for public safety. Following this, the commission opened the floor for public comments, allowing residents to address any agenda items not related to public hearings. No public comments were made, leading to the closure of this segment.

Next, the commission coordinated future meeting dates, confirming sessions on July 28 and August. Members were encouraged to notify staff if they would be unavailable.

The staff report, presented by Purnima, highlighted two main topics: the quarterly development report and Planning and Zoning (P&Z) priorities. Purnima outlined recent amendments to the Land Development Regulations (LDR), including updates to user definitions, fencing standards, and sign ordinances. Notably, the commission consolidated duplicate uses and clarified definitions, such as those for daycare facilities, to align with state regulations.

A significant amendment discussed was the new process for notifying adjacent property owners about residential developments, particularly concerning fencing. This change aims to enhance communication between developers and residents, allowing for discussions about existing fences and potential replacements.

Purnima also reported on the town's electric vehicle (EV) statistics, noting approximately 2,800 registered EVs in Flower Mound. The town ranks fourth among DFW municipalities with fewer than 100,000 registered vehicles. The commission is monitoring EV ownership trends and has recently adopted an ordinance to regulate electric charging stations in parking structures.

Future agenda items were also addressed, including potential changes to the landscape ordinance to incorporate bioswales and rain gardens, as well as updates to parking standards to reduce impervious surfaces. The commission plans to introduce these amendments incrementally to manage the changes effectively.

Lastly, the commission discussed recent legislative changes affecting agenda posting requirements, now requiring a 72-business-hour notice before meetings. This adjustment will be implemented starting September 1.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for commissioners to propose additional agenda items for future discussions, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and proactive planning in Flower Mound.