Zoning changes nix patio homes, commercial development in north Frisco neighborhood

Zoning provisions for patio homes and commercial development on roughly 38 acres in north Frisco have been changed to accommodate only lots for single-family homes.

The Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission on March 8 approved the changes for the Crown Ridge neighborhood. A fifth phase of development in the neighborhood south of PGA Parkway and east of Preston Road was discussed.

The property was first zoned in 1985, according to a city memo. However, the zones were created to accommodate a potential street alignment that never occurred. The result was “a jagged boundary between commercial and residential zoning,” according to the memo.

Discussions between city staff and NEC Preston/Panther Creek, the developer of the land, led to a mutual agreement that a straighter zoning line would facilitate “a better layout” for residential lots and streets, the memo states.

The removal of zoning for patio homes also makes the lots more uniform with zoning to the south of the 38 acres, a map provided by the city indicates.

Planning and Zoning Chair Rob Cox said the changes reduce neighborhood density and are in line with the city’s goal to develop spacious lots for homes.

“This really helps what we try to do here in Frisco when we can, which is to have nice neighborhoods and nice lot sizes,” Cox said. “This is something I definitely support.”

The commission last discussed Phase 5 of Crown Ridge on Feb. 8. Concerns over the safety of a proposed drainage channel were raised by city staff.