Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission recommends unified development code change to City Council

The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 22 discussed an amendment to the Schertz Code of Ordinances Unified Development Code, adding “aggregate extraction” to the permitted use table.

The discussion was brought up due to a property owner wanting to remove a significant amount of vegetation and topsoil. This property is located near the Schertz and Converse Border, south of Lower Seguin Road.

City Planner Megan Harrison explained the definition of aggregates and the requirements from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality before an operation involving aggregate extraction occurs.

“Aggregates are commonly recognized as construction material, crushed or broken down limestone, crushed or broken down granite, construction sand, gravel or soil, those kinds of materials,” Harrison said.

According to the property owner, there will be a 50-foot buffer zone around the property's perimeter that will allow for native vegetation and prevent disturbing areas near other property lines.

The commission’s job was to decide which districts' and areas' aggregate extraction would be permitted. After discussion, the decision was made to allow aggregate extraction in manufacturing-light (M1) and manufacturing-heavy (M2) properties that provide a specific-use permit.

Schertz City Council makes the final say in the UDC, with the planning and zoning commission making the recommendation to the council.