Friendswood City Council approves zoning changes due to future land use map

In preparation for its updated future land use map, Friendswood City Council approved multiple zoning classification changes Oct. 4.

The 2021 future land use map, which had not been updated since 2008, is still receiving feedback and public comments, as previously reported by Community Impact Newspaper.

City Council approved rezoning about 3.65 acres of land from shopping to industrial use. Located at the intersection of FM 2351 and Hope Village Road, this section of land is part of a larger section of 18.01 acres that is already classified as industrial. This rezoning will allow consistent, industrial development for the entire tract of land, according to agenda documents.

Additionally, many amendments were made to Friendswood’s zoning ordinance to allow for a development known as the Panhandle Planned Unit Development along FM 2351 between Beamer Road and Blackhawk Boulevard. The developer agreed to withdraw the proposed zone change and worked with city staff to come up with the ordinance changes that will allow for its developments to proceed while still allowing for other developments, according to city documents.

City Council also approved three other zoning changes.

One acre of land located at 2601 W. Parkwood Ave. will be changed from residential to public use, per the 2021 future land use map. Allowing this change will make way for the new Fire Station No. 2 to be built to replace the outdated facility, as previously reported by Community Impact Newspaper.

Similarly, 54.8 acres of land that make up Friendswood High School will also be changed from residential to public use to allow for school developments, such as a new performing arts center, a competition gym and athletic field space, according to city documents.

Finally, the council approved a zoning ordinance for 36 new lots to be added to the residential Avalon at Friendswood development on Friendwood’s southside. With City Council’s vote, 26.9 acres of land League City deannexed are now within Friendswood city limits, though the land will remain zoned to Clear Creek ISD.

City Council will meet next Nov. 1.