City leaders are considering a zoning change to accommodate the future Cannon Beach surf resort at the northeast corner of Stacy Road and SH 121.
What’s happening?
McKinney’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend new zoning for the project during a March 10 meeting. McKinney City Council is expected to consider the zoning request and take final action at an April 7 meeting, according to a city document.
If approved by council, more than 58 acres of land would be zoned to allow a mix of uses that are expected at the future surf park. Many of the same development regulations were already included under the land’s current “C3” commercial zoning, City Planner Jake Bennett said.
“Some notable alterations to the base zoning of C3 are the addition of a new use, parking requirements and required public open space,” he said.
The new use being proposed is an outdoor water recreation and entertainment facility, according to the city document. Cannon Beach, which broke ground in December, will include a 3-acre surf lagoon, lazy river and a mineral hot springs circuit.
City staff are recommending approval of the zoning change because it “meets the vision for this property” along SH 121, Bennett said.
A closer look
In a presentation to the commission, Cannon Beach representatives gave an overview of the project that included a conceptual site plan. Preliminary plans for the project include retail, restaurant and office space in addition to a 150-room hotel. The hotel will include a rooftop pool and bar, and a convention center on the first floor.
On the north side of the development where it borders a single-family neighborhood, parking will be reserved for Cannon Beach employees, said Sam Lawrence with Cross Architects.
“We’re committed to making sure that’s employee parking and not used for access for any park-goers back there,” he said. “That way you reduce foot traffic and vehicle noise and lights going into the residential areas back there.”
The development’s northern border will also include screening elements such as a masonry wall or wrought-iron fence with additional vegetative screening, according to the presentation. “Over-and-above improved landscaping” such as shrubs and trees in the area will “drastically mitigate” sound from impacting neighbors to the north, Lawrence said.
“Layered screening is going to be the biggest impact here,” he said.
More information
The $200 million surf resort, announced in 2024, is being developed by the Cannon Development Group. It’s partnering with the city of McKinney, McKinney Economic Development Corp. and McKinney Community Development Corp. The surf resort is being developed on 35 acres previously owned by MEDC. MEDC still owns the land located directly east of the future development.
MCDC awarded $4 million to the project in February 2025 for infrastructure improvements. Its first phase is projected to open in mid-2027.
