Title
Hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance submitted by National Logistics Training Center Inc., on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Austin, (FLUM#25-03) to amend the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Map from a ‘Residential Mix’ designation to a ‘Regional Commercial’ designation for approximately 13.7 acres out of the G. W. Farris Survey, Abstract No. 306. The subject properties are locally addressed as 108 and 110 West Elms Road, Killeen, Texas.
Body
DATE: August 19, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Wallis Meshier, Exec. Dir. Of Dev. Serv.
SUBJECT: FLUM Case# FLUM25-03: ‘RM’ to ‘RC’
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Property Information:
Property Owner: Catholic Diocese of Austin
Agent: National Logistics Training Center, Inc.
Current FLUM Designation: “Residential Mix” (RM)
Requested FLUM Designation: ‘Regional Commercial’ (RC)
Current Zoning: “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District)
Growth Sector: ‘Intended Growth’ (IN)
Development Zone: 6
Summary of Request:
National Logistics Training Center, Inc., on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Austin, has submitted a request to amend the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from a ‘Residential Mix’ designation to a ‘Regional Commercial’ Designation. If approved, the applicant intends to submit a subsequent request to rezone the property from “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) to “B-4” (Business District) to develop the property into a vocational trade school affiliated with Fort Hood.
Zoning/Plat Case History:
The property was annexed into the City of Killeen’s corporate limits on December 23, 1986, via Ordinance No. 86-87. At the time of the initial zoning after annexation, it was zoned “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District).
Character of the Area:
North: Undeveloped property zoned “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District) and “B-5” (Business District) and existing shopping center and convenience store zoned “B-5” (Business District).
South: Existing two-family residential development zoned “R-2” (Two-Family Residential District).
East: Undeveloped commercial properties zoned “B-3” (Local Business District) and “B-5” (Business District).
West: Existing commercial businesses (Texas Health and Human Services and Wagging Tails Dog Grooming) zoned “B-5” (Business District).
Future Land Use Map Analysis:
The subject property is located within the ‘Intended Growth’ area on the Growth Sector Map and designated as ‘Residential Mix’ (RM) on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Properties within the ‘Intended Growth’ sector include property that are in close proximity to existing development and have access to existing or planned infrastructure. Development in this sector should align with the Big Ideas of this plan, particularly those related to diversifying the housing and neighborhood options in the city.
The ‘Residential Mix’ place type creates neighborhoods built with a traditional walkable block/street grid network that allows 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-plex (2-4 units), etc. This place type encourages up to twenty-five percent (25%) nonresidential and up to ninety-five percent (95%) residential use mix.
If approved, the ‘Regional Commercial’ place type is first identified by a principal focus on
auto-oriented traffic. Logically placed near high-traffic intersections, these spaces bring people from many surrounding neighborhoods. Typical uses will include regional businesses including but not limited to restaurants, grocery stores, banks, retail, gas stations, and offices. This place type encourages small-scale, neighborhood-scale, regional, and industrial. This place type encourages up to one hundred percent (100%) nonresidential and up to fifty percent (50%) residential use mix.
Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan:
In accordance with Killeen Code of Ordinances Sec. 31-39(j), the following factors shall be considered when considering whether to approve a request to amend the city’s Future Land Use Map (FLUM):
1. Is the proposed amendment consistent with the principles and policies set forth in the comprehensive plan?
Yes. Staff is of the determination that the request is consistent with the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. The Killeen 2040 Comprehensive Plan states that the ‘Regional Commercial’ place type is intended for high-traffic intersections. The subject property is located near a major intersection and is suitable for high-intensity commercial uses.
2. Is the proposed amendment compatible with the character of the surrounding area?
Yes. Staff is of the determination that the request to change the FLUM designation of the subject property to ‘Regional Commercial’ is consistent with the character of the surrounding area. The commercial properties near the subject property are designated ‘Regional Commercial’ and ‘Residential Mix’ on the FLUM. Changing the designation of the subject property to ‘Regional Commercial’ would be in keeping with the FLUM designation of the surrounding properties. The property immediately adjacent to the north consists of existing commercial designated ‘Regional Commercial’ on the FLUM. The majority of the properties surrounding the subject properties are undeveloped, with “B-5” (Business District) zoning designation.
3. What is the impact of the proposed amendment on infrastructure provision, including water, wastewater, drainage, and the transportation network?
The current zoning classification for the properties are “R-1” (Single-Family Residential District). The properties are currently undeveloped; however, water services are available for these properties, located in an easement along the eastern property line and an existing water distribution main in an adjacent parcel. Wastewater services are also available from an existing wastewater main located in an easement along the southern property line. A new wastewater
4. What is the impact of the proposed amendment on the city's ability to provide, fund, and maintain services?
Staff finds that there is no negative impact on the City’s ability to provide, fund, and maintain services. The development of this property will generate additional ad valorem tax, thereby enhancing the fiscal productivity of the area.
5. What is the impact of the proposed amendment on environmentally sensitive and natural areas?
Staff finds that there are no wetlands located on the property. There is no evidence at this time that this development will cause any consequential issues in any environmentally sensitive areas.
6. What specific conditions (e.g., population size and/or characteristics, area character and building form, property/structure conditions, infrastructure or public services, market factors including the need for more land in a particular designation, etc.) have changed sufficiently to render the current map designation(s) inappropriate or out-of-date?
Staff finds that the current map designation out-of-date, because the surrounding properties are zoned as “B-5” (Business District) and the area has not been developed to allow for residential uses.
7. Do city staff, the planning and zoning commission, and/or the city council have sufficient information to move ahead with a decision (e.g., utility capacity, potential traffic impacts, other public service implications, resident/stakeholder concerns and input)?
This staff report includes information regarding available utility services, traffic impact, etc.
Water, Sewer and Drainage Services:
Provider: City of Killeen: Yes
Feasibility Study or Service Commitment: Water, wastewater, and drainage services are located within the City of Killeen municipal utility service area.
Water services are available for the properties via an existing 12” water transmission main located in an easement along the eastern property line of all tracts. An existing 6” water distribution main is located adjacent to Parcel No. 111425 in W. Elms Road.
Wastewater services are available for the Parcel Nos. 111425 and 240170 via an existing 6” wastewater main located in an easement along the southern property line of Parcel No. 111425.
No wastewater services are adjacent to Parcel No. 240169. A new wastewater main could be extended from an existing main located at the intersection of Sladecek Drive and Ronald Drive.
An existing curb inlet is located adjacent to Parcel No. 111425 in W. Elms Road. No existing stormwater infrastructure is adjacent to Parcel Nos. 240170 and 240169.
Transportation and Thoroughfare Plan:
Access to the properties is via W Elms Road (110-foot-wide ROW) to the north and Sladecek Drive (50-foot-wide ROW) to the east of the subject properties. W Elms Road is classified as a Minor Arterial in this area and Sladecek Drive is classified as a local road in the currently adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Environmental Assessment:
The property is in the Nolan Creek / Leon River Watershed. The property is located in Zone X (Outside the 0.2% Annual Change Flood Hazard), per FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps 48027C0260E and 48027C0280E with an effective date September 26, 2008.
There are no wetlands located on the property, as shown on the National Wetlands Inventory map. No visual evidence of other environmental impediments is apparent on the property at this time.
Public Notification:
Staff notified the owners of seventy-seven (77) surrounding properties regarding this request.
As of the date of this staff report, no written responses have been received regarding this request.
Staff Findings:
Staff finds that the proposed amendment to the Future Land Use Map from ‘Residential Mix’ to ‘Regional Commercial’ for the subject properties supports economic development and aligns with the City’s goals of encouraging strategic commercial growth.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This item conforms with State and Local policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The proposed FLUM amendment does not involve the expenditure of City funds.
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 amend the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designation from ‘Residential Mix’ (RM) to a ‘Regional Commercial’ designation.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the applicant's request to change the zoning classification from ‘Residential Mix’ (RM) to a ‘Regional Commercial’ designation by a vote of 6 to 0.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
This item has been reviewed by the Planning and Legal staff.
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Maps
Site Photos
Ordinance
Minutes
Letter of Request
Aerial Site Plan
FLUM Exhibit
Presentation