The Terrell Planning and Zoning Commission voted Dec. 19, 2024 to recommend that the City Council rezone portions of Block 1 (Lots 1B–4B) of the Terrell Additions, known as 311 9th Street, from Single-Family 7.5 to the proposed Neighborhood Edge district (ZC24-7).

Planning staff told the commission the Neighborhood Edge district is intended to allow low-intensity residential and low-intensity nonresidential uses to coexist on small parcels, and said the change would allow the property owner to lease the existing building for an office, salon, barbershop or similar uses. Planning staff said the parcel’s previous long-term user was the Kaufman County Farm Bureau from 1999 to 2018 and that the building has been used as office-type space for many years. Staff said the property is currently vacant for less than six months and that any future tenant must obtain a certificate of occupancy and meet building-code requirements.

The proposal required outreach to nearby residents; staff mailed notices to addresses in a 200-foot buffer and reported three responses: one in favor and two opposed. Staff summarized opposition concerns as increased traffic, noise and safety; one respondent (Mary Driver of 1003 Main Street) asked whether a privacy fence could be provided. Planning staff said the Neighborhood Edge designation does not permit high-intensity or noisy uses and that the city cannot commit to building a private privacy fence, but staff will contact the resident to explain that the zoning change is not intended to increase density and that future tenants must comply with building and occupancy rules.

Commissioners asked whether the zoning ordinance that creates the Neighborhood Edge district already has council approval; staff replied that the commission’s recommendations were presented to council, which requested changes, and staff will return the final ordinance for council first reading on Jan. 7. Commissioners also clarified that changing to Neighborhood Edge does not automatically change the building footprint; any exterior modifications would require appropriate permits and may trigger additional plat or construction reviews.

A motion to approve ZC24-7, pending City Council approval of the zoning ordinance, carried on a voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes; the chair announced the motion carries.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration under Ordinance No. 3084, Appendix 2 (zoning ordinance).