McKinney’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the site plan with a set of design exceptions during a May 27 meeting. Design exceptions include alternative requirements for the building setback distance and building frontage, Chief Planner Kaitlin Sheffield said.
The design exceptions were requested because the property was developed before the McKinney Town Center zoning district was adopted in 2015, Sheffield said. Approval of the design exceptions brings the property into compliance with the MTC.
The gist
Typically, city staff can approve site plans for developments located within the MTC district but site plans for public buildings, such as the library, must be brought to the commission for consideration. Sheffield said staff were supportive of the design exceptions presented to the commission.
Renovations are expected to start later this summer after the library closes to the public June 14. City officials expect the library will remain closed for one year during the $20 million project.
Construction will change the library’s layout and create new youth- and teen-specific spaces while improving access to library materials. The project will also add a full-dome planetarium paired with an adjacent 2,500-square foot exhibit space that can host interactive exhibits.
More details about the project can be found on the city’s website.
In case you missed it
Once the library closes, materials will be relocated to John and Judy Gay Library at 6861 W. Eldorado Parkway. Any library materials that are on hold will be available for pickup at Gay Library or at McKinney City Hall, located at 401 E. Virginia Street.
Borrowed materials can be returned to Gay Library.
Also on the agenda
Commission members voted unanimously to recommend new residential zoning for a 29-acre piece of land located north of County Road 124.
If approved by council, the land would be zoned for single-family residential uses. Homes will be developed on lots with a minimum of 5,000 square feet, according to city documents. City Planner Jake Bennett said the requested zoning aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan and should be compatible with existing surrounding uses.
Council members are expected to consider annexation of the property and the zoning request at a June 3 meeting.
