Plans for a new Rivian service and sales center in Frisco are under review.
The electric vehicle manufacturer is proposing to lease about 55,230 square feet within a bigger building near the intersection of FM 423 and Rockhill Parkway.
Some context
Rivian develops and sells electric vehicles and related accessories. The proposed facility would include a service shop, vehicle display area, customer space, storage and conference areas, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
At their April 14 meeting, Frisco Planning and Zoning commissioners approved a request to table considering the facility’s preliminary site plan until May.
The project has faced delays since October, when city officials denied a previous site plan. City officials denied the plan primarily due to a city ordinance requiring automotive-related uses to be at least 250 feet away from residential zoning districts, city documents state.
The property, located at 15691 FM 423, is about 96 feet from homes on one side and 192 feet from homes on the other side, according to city documents.
What happened
Lindsey Walker, representative for applicant Rivian Automotive, wrote in a letter to the city that they were appealing the denial. Walker said the city’s ordinance should not apply in the same way because Rivian would lease only part of the building, with its operations located more than 300 feet away from nearby homes.
“We appreciate your consideration of this appeal and trust that the substantial distance between the proposed location of Rivian's operations and residential properties satisfies the intent of the ordinance,” Walker said in the letter.
Jonathan Hubbard, Frisco’s assistant director of planning, said the applicant is continuing to work with city staff and resubmitted plans April 14.
According to city documents, the appeal has previously been tabled four times by Frisco’s Planning and Zoning Commission several times since December.
Next steps
The item is expected to go back before commissioners at their May 26 meeting.
