The Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission considered the changes at its Aug. 26 meeting. The commission decided to delay its vote on the changes until a meeting in September after some residents and business owners spoke in opposition to them.
Commissioners who voted for the delay said they hoped the extra time would allow residents and business owners to meet with city staff to address their concerns and better understand the changes.
The details
The proposed changes are meant to align the district with the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan and make downtown more walkable. Out of the 174 land uses allowed in the district, 20 were selected for proposed changes.
According to city documents, the changes are meant to:
- Prohibit uses that are autocentric and offer drive-thru services
- Prohibit uses that are industrial or outdated
- Permit uses that encourage visitation and walkability
- Mix uses to make a single visit to the Rail District “worthwhile”
Banks, restaurants and child care centers would still be able to operate in the district but they wouldn’t be allowed to have drive-thrus, according to city documents.
If the changes are ultimately approved by City Council, prohibited uses in the district would include:
- Big box retailers
- Bus terminals
- Full-service car washes
- Small engine repair shops and more
Several residents and business owners turned out to the planning and zoning commission’s Aug. 26 meeting to oppose and learn more about the proposed changes. They said they were concerned that some businesses would not conform with the new land uses and could be shut down.
Kacie Packer, business manager of Frisco establishment Divine Audio Visual, told the commission she worried the changes could negatively impact businesses in the district.
"There's definitely areas of this that are concerning," she said.
Planning Manager Chris Leonard said businesses would only be able to be shut down if they cease operations for more than six months, per state law.
Commission Chair Jon Kendall told the residents and business owners that their establishments would not be shut down if the changes are approved.
“You will still have permission to operate, permission to sell your business,” Kendall said. “In many ways I just felt like it’s protecting those that already have their business there so they don’t have to worry about additional drive-throughs coming in. It almost kind of strengthens their business.”
The changes will be considered by the commission again Sept. 23 and will need City Council approval to be implemented.
