Southlake City Council approved a zoning change for a building in the Shivers Farm development, and held a first reading of a zoning change ordinance that would allow the development to include gated subdivisions in its residential district at its Sept. 1 meeting.
The ordinance was approved on its first reading in a 4-3 vote, with council members Gary Fawks, Frances Scharli and Eric Wang voting against, and will have its second reading and be put up for final vote at council’s Sept. 15 meeting.
Shivers Farm is a 40-acre mixed-use development that will include 37 single-family homes and was approved by council in October 2025.
What’s changed
Trademark Property Company, the site's developer, requested a zoning change to add gated communities and private streets to the residential sections of the development to prevent unnecessary through traffic due to its closeness to the commercial and retail areas in Shivers Farm.
If the private community is approved it would dissolve the residential public improvement district, PID, that would fund neighborhood infrastructure but would still include the commercial PID to help fund business district upgrades.
The council approved the zoning change for a building in the retail district of the development, expanding its possible retail uses to include fitness and retail tutoring businesses.
The debate
Council Member Gary Fawks expressed concern over the possibility of gated communities becoming too prevalent and harming the community feel of Southlake, even for communities with close proximity to shopping centers.
“If we did that, we’d have nothing but gates,” Fawks said.
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Randy Robbins was concerned about the loss of the PID but supported the addition of gates.
“This makes this a much much more private, enjoyable place to raise a family and live,” Robbins said.
The council also expressed concerns over the width of the entry road making it difficult for large cars and trucks to turn around.
