Title
Hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance submitted by Weltex Investments, on behalf of EAS Investments, (Case# Z25-03) to rezone Lot 2, Lot Pt. 3, Lot Pt. 4, and Lots 5 and 7; Block 1 out of the Southwest Crossing Addition from “A” (Agricultural District) to “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) and “RT-1” (Residential Townhouse Single-Family District). The subject property is generally located southeast of Wells Fargo Drive between Stagecoach Road and Turkey Trot Road, Killeen, Texas.
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DATE: May 6, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Wallis Meshier, Executive Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Zoning Case # Z25-03: “A” to “R-1” and “RT-1”
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Property Information:
Property Owner: EAS Investments
Agent: Weltex Investments
Current Zoning: “A” (Agricultural District)
Proposed Zoning: “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) & “RT-1” (Residential Townhouse Single-Family District)
FLUM Designation: ‘Residential Mix’ (RM)
Growth Sector Designation: ‘Controlled Growth’
Summary of Request:
Weltex Investments has submitted a rezoning request on behalf of EAS Investments (Case# Z25-03) to rezone approximately 6.16 acres from “A” (Agricultural District) to “RT-1” (Residential Townhouse Single-Family District) and approximately 14.91 acres from “A” (Agricultural District) to “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District). The applicant intends to develop the property into single-family and townhome lots if approved.
Zoning/Plat Case History:
The subject property was annexed into the City limits on January 13, 2008, via Ordinance
No. 08-006, and subsequently zoned “A” (Agricultural) during the initial zoning via Ordinance No. 08-103.
The Planning and Zoning Commission heard this request on Monday, March 10, 2025, and the item was tabled for their next regularly scheduled meeting on March 24, 2025. During the Public Hearing on March 24, 2025, seven (7) citizens spoke in opposition to this request.
Character of the Area:
North: Developed and undeveloped property zoned “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) and “A” (Agricultural District)
South Undeveloped property zoned “B-3” (Local Business District), existing large-lot single-family homes zoned “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) and a religious institution zoned “PUD” Planned Unit Development.
East: Existing large-lot single-family homes zoned “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) and undeveloped property zoned “B-3” (Local Business District)
West: Existing large-lot single-family homes zoned “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District)
Future Land Use Map Analysis:
The subject property is located within the ‘Controlled Growth’ sector on the Growth Sector Map and is designated ‘Residential Mix’ (RM) on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) of the Comprehensive Plan.
The ‘Controlled Growth’ sector includes areas in the city limits and approved Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) that have access to city infrastructure in close proximity. Development proposed in this sector should be evaluated for adherence to the Big Ideas and Recommendations of the plan, particularly those related to housing and neighborhood options, and improve Killeen's fiscal health and sustainability.
This ‘Residential Mix’ place type creates neighborhoods built with a traditional walkable block/street grid network, allowing a flexible mix of residential building typologies. Aside from large multiplex garden apartments, most housing types should be allowed here. This place type encourages most residential uses, such as single-family detached, townhouses, small-plexes (2-4 units), etc. It encourages a use mix of up to twenty-five percent (25%) nonresidential and up to ninety-five percent (95%) residential.
The request supports or furthers the following Comprehensive Plan recommendations:
§ LU1 - Use place types and complete neighborhoods as building blocks.
§ LU2 - Improve the fiscal productivity of development.
§ LU3 - Encourage incremental evolution of neighborhoods
§ NH3 - Diversify housing mix (types and price points).
§ NH4 - Build complete neighborhoods.
Staff finds that the applicant’s request for “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) and “RT-1” (Residential Townhouse Single-Family District) is consistent with the recommendations of the Killeen 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Development Zone Analysis:
This property is located within the City of Killeen Development Zone #6. This development zone is between Stagecoach and Central Texas Expressway, east of Fort Hood Street. This development zone consists of 65.76% residential uses and 34.24% commercial uses.
The current land use mix within this area comprises of the following acreages and percentages approximately:
District Acres Percentage
Special Districts 150.77 3.52%
Residential 2666.96 62.25%
Industrial 102.99 2.40%
Commercial 1312.54 30.63%
Agricultural 51.34 1.20%
Totals 4284.56 100.00%
Vacant Property 1175.75 27.44%
Water, Sewer and Drainage Services:
Existing Conditions - Water, Sewer, and Drainage Service
Provider: City of Killeen
Within Service Area: Yes
Feasibility Study or Service Commitment: Water, wastewater, and drainage services are located within the City of Killeen's municipal utility service area and are available to the subject tracts.
Water services are available to Lots 2 and 7 via an existing 8” water line located in Turkey Trot Drive. Water service for Lots 3 and 4 is available via an existing 12” water line located in Stagecoach Road. Water services are available to Lots 4, 5, and 7 via an existing 8” water line in Wells Fargo Drive.
Wastewater services are available to Lots 3 and 4 via an existing 8” wastewater line in Stagecoach Road. Wastewater service for Lots 5 and 7 is unavailable along the lot's frontage along Wells Fargo Drive. Wastewater service is unavailable for Lot 2 along the lot's frontage along Turkey Trot Road. To serve these lots, a new wastewater line would need to be extended from either Stagecoach Road or Briarcroft Lane.
Storm sewer infrastructure is available to serve Lots 3 and 4 via an existing 36” RCP located in the right-of-way of Stagecoach Road. Additional information must be analyzed to properly assess the storm sewer system's capacity in this area prior to connecting additional drainage areas. No storm sewer infrastructure currently exists along the frontage of Lots 2, 5, and 7 in Wells Fargo Drive or Turkey Trot Road.
Transportation and Thoroughfare Plan:
Access to Lots 3 and 4 is available via Stagecoach Road to the south of the parcels. Stagecoach Road is a 90-foot-wide right-of-way in this area and is classified as a Minor Arterial. Access is available for Lots 4, 5, and 7 via Wells Fargo Road. Wells Fargo Road is a 60-foot-wide right-of-way in this area and is classified as a rural local street. Access to Lots 2 and 7 is available via Turkey Trot Road to the east of the parcels. Turkey Trot Road is a 60-foot-wide right-of-way in this area and is classified as a rural local street. Based on current information, a Traffic Impact Analysis is not required.
PARKS AND PROPOSED TRAIL PLAN:
There are no proposed trails or parks on or near this site. Parkland dedication, fees in lieu of, and parkland development fees will be required when the plat is recorded, as the property is not currently developed.
Environmental Assessment:
The properties are located in the Nolan Creek - Leon River Watershed. Portions of Lot 2, Part of Lot 3, Part of Lot 4, Lot 5, and Lot 7, Block 1 are located in Zone X (Area of Minimal Flood Risk), per FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map 48027C0290E with an effective date of September 26, 2008.
According to the National Wetlands Inventory maps, none of the properties are impacted by existing surface waters and wetlands.
Public Notification:
Staff notified thirty-four (34) owners of surrounding properties regarding this request. Of those property owners, nine (9) reside outside the 200-foot notification boundary required by the State but within the 400-foot boundary mandated by the Council, while three (3) live outside the City of Killeen corporate limits.
At the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, a petition was submitted with twenty-three (23) signatures including multiple signatures within the same household. Among those properties represented in the petition, six (6) are located within the 200-foot notification boundary, while seven (7) fall outside of it.
Staff notes that seven (7) individuals spoke in opposition to the request, citing concerns regarding density, drainage, and traffic congestion. One (1) person provided comments without taking a stance for or against the project, stating that flooding would not be an issue due to drainage requirements.
Based on the confirmed ownership data, the total opposition amounts to 16.267%. If the unconfirmed owner is included, the opposition increases to 19.095%. Please note that the attached map reflects only the opposition from confirmed property owners and does not account for the unconfirmed property owner.
Staff Findings:
The subject property is currently undeveloped and zoned “A” (Agricultural District). The surrounding area includes large lot and estate lot single-family residential development; undeveloped property zoned “A” (Agricultural District), “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District), and “B-3” (Local Business District), and a religious institution zoned “PUD” (Planned Unit Development). Turkey Trot Road and Wells Fargo Road are considered rural local streets. The pavement width of each is approximately twenty (20) feet. The character of the area is predominantly rural.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council may:
§ Recommend disapproval of the applicant’s request;
§ Recommend approval of a more restrictive zoning district; or
§ Recommend approval of the applicant’s request as presented.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends approval of the applicant’s request to rezone the property from
“A” (Agricultural District) to “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) and “RT-1” (Residential Townhouse Single-Family District) as presented.
Staff finds that the applicant’s request to rezone the property from “A” (Agricultural District) to “R-1” (Single-Family Residential) and “RT-1” (Residential Townhouse Single-Family District) is consistent with the recommendations of the Killeen 2040 Comprehensive plan, and with the ‘Residential Mix’ place type shown on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM). Staff finds that the requested “R-1” (Single-Family Residential) zoning is consistent with the predominantly single-family character of the surrounding area. Additionally, staff is of the determination that the proposed ”RT-1” (Residential Townhouse Single-Family District) will provide an appropriate buffer between the proposed single-family development and the existing “B-3” (Local Business District) located at the corner of Stagecoach Road and Turkey Trot Road. If approved, the proposed ”RT-1” (Residential Townhouse Single-Family District) will help provide some Missing Middle housing and offer a housing typology that is not widely available in Killeen.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This zoning request conforms to the City’s policy and procedures, as detailed in Chapter 31 of the Killeen Code of Ordinances.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
This zoning request does not involve the expenditure of city funds. However, subsequent development and dedication of public infrastructure will require maintenance funds over the life cycle of future development.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
This is not applicable.
Is this expenditure budgeted?
This is not applicable.
If not, where will the money come from?
This is not applicable.
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line item for this expenditure?
This is not applicable.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the applicant’s request to rezone the property from “A” (Agricultural District) to “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) and “RT-1” (Residential Townhouse Single-Family District).
At their regular meeting on March 24, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the request by a vote of 3 to 2, with Commissioners Sabree and Ploeckelmann voting in opposition.
Commissioner Sabree stated that she would be in support of “R-1” lots in this location, but not townhomes, while Commissioner Ploeckelmann expressed concern about the proposed density and the amount of opposition to the request.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
This item has been reviewed by the Planning and Legal staff.
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Maps
Site Photos
Minutes
Ordinance
Letter of Request
Exhibit B
Responses
Presentation