Title
Hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance by Rachel Shanks on behalf of Quantum 195 LLC (Case# Z26-13) to rezone approximately 4.88 acres, Lot 1, Block 1, Walnut Creek Estates Phase Six, from “A” (Agricultural District) to “B-3” (Local Business District). The subject property is located northwest of the intersection of White Willow Court and South Fort Hood Street, Killeen, Texas. (Requires ¾ Majority Vote for Approval)
Body
DATE: September 15, 2026
TO: Kent Cagle, Interim City Manager
FROM: Wallis Meshier, Exec. Dir. Of Dev. Serv.
SUBJECT: Case # Z26-13: “A” to “B-3”
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Property Information:
Property Owner: Quantum 195 LLC
Agent: Rachel Shanks
Current Zoning: “A” (Agricultural District)
Proposed Zoning: “B-3” (Local Business District)
FLUM Designation: ‘Neighborhood Commercial’ (NC)
Growth Sector Designation: ‘Controlled Growth’ (CG)
Development Zone: N/A
Summary of Request:
The applicant is requesting to rezone the subject property to “B-3” (Local Business District) to allow for the development of a commercial project consisting of a gas station with associated restaurant and retail space. The proposed development is intended to provide fuel, dining, and retail services to the surrounding area.
Zoning/Plat Case History:
The subject property was annexed to the City of Killeen in January of 2008. The property maintained the agricultural zoning after annexation. The plat for this property was recorded on February 18, 2005, as Lot 1, Block 1, Walnut Creek Phase Six.
Character of the Area:
North: Existing single-family home zoned “A-R1” (Agricultural Single-Family Residential District)
South: Existing single-family home zoned “A-R1” (Agricultural Single-Family Residential District)
East: Undeveloped property zoned “A” (Agricultural District)
West: Existing single-family home located outside the City Limits with a portion of the property being located inside the City Limits and is zoned “A” (Agricultural District)
Future Land Use Map Analysis:
The subject property is located within the ‘Controlled Growth’ (CG) area on the Growth Sector Map and designated as ‘Neighborhood Commercial’ (NC) on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) of the Killeen 2040 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 will be evaluated for adherence to the Big Ideas and Recommendations of the plan, particularly those related to housing and neighborhood options, and improve the fiscal health and sustainability of Killeen.
The ‘Neighborhood Commercial’ place type is a predominantly a commercial extension of a traditional neighborhood. These places generally grow along with a neighborhood and need to be allowed to change over time to intensify as its surrounding neighborhood does. These are placed along a corridor of some kind, often a higher traffic roadway that serves as the edge of a neighborhood. These areas bridge pedestrian and auto-oriented development patterns. Street parking and continuous building frontages are very important here as it creates a pleasant experience for people who traverse the area on foot. Shared parking should be encouraged. High intensity small lot residential is acceptable within this place type. This place type encourages up to one hundred percent (100%) nonresidential and as much as twenty-five percent (25%) residential use mix.
The request supports the following Comprehensive Plan recommendations:
§ LU2 - Improve the fiscal productivity of development by encouraging uses that contribute to the City’s long-term economic sustainability.
The Killeen 2040 Comprehensive Plan promotes incremental redevelopment of properties that can add to a widespread improvement. Staff finds that the proposed development is consistent with neighborhood-scale commercial uses by providing services commonly needed by the surrounding community, including restaurants, general retail, medical offices, and fuel stations.
Development Zone Analysis:
This property is not located within a Killeen Development Zone.
Water, Sewer and Drainage Services:
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 municipal utility service area but are not available to the subject tract.
Water services are available for the tract via an existing 6” water distribution main located on the west side of South Fort Hood Street. The water line is owned and operated by the Central Texas WSC.
Wastewater services are not available adjacent to the tract.
No existing storm sewer infrastructure is adjacent to the tract.
The applicant will coordinate with the Bell County Health Department regarding applicable septic system requirements as part of the Site Development Permit process.
Transportation and Thoroughfare Plan:
Access for the tract is via State Highway 195 (South Fort Hood Street), which is a 335-foot-wide right-of-way and is classified as a Principal Arterial in the currently adopted Comprehensive Plan, and White Willow Court, which is a 50-foot-wide right-of-way and is classified as a residential street in the currently adopted Comprehensive Plan.
A significant increase in traffic is expected to be generated as a result of this zoning classification change.
The current zoning classification for the tract is “A” (Agricultural District). The proposed zoning classification under this proposed zoning reclassification is “B-3” (Local Business District). The stated proposed use is C-Store w/ QSR and Retail/Restaurant, which are expected to generate approximately 15,850 Average Daily Trips. Computations are based on data from the 10th Edition of the ITA Trip Generation Manual.
The proposed use will generate a significant increase in traffic as a result of this zoning reclassification. White Willow Court is proposed as both the ingress and egress for the development. White Willow Court is an older rural residential road that was built to Bell County construction standards and will require improvements to service the proposed development.
If the conditions or assumptions used in the development of the current Traffic Impact Determination change, a revised determination may be warranted at that time.
PARKS AND PROPOSED TRAIL PLAN:
There are no proposed parks or trails located on this site.
Environmental Assessment:
The tract is in the Stillhouse Hollow Lake / Lampasas River Watershed. The tract is located in Zone X Unshaded (0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Area), per Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map 48027C0475E with effective date September 26, 2008.
The tract is not impacted by freshwater ponds, freshwater forested/shrub wetlands, freshwater emergent wetlands, or riverine habitats as shown on the National Wetlands Inventory maps for the properties. No visual evidence of other environmental impediments is apparent on the tract at this time.
Public Notification:
Staff notified property owners of nine (9) surrounding properties regarding this request.
Two (2) responses in opposition and one (1) response indicating uncertainty were initially received. Following the public hearing, the property owner amended her response from unsure to opposition, resulting in a total of three (3) responses in opposition. No responses in support were received.
Staff Findings:
The applicant is requesting to rezone the subject property from its current zoning designation to “B-3” (Local Business District) to allow for the development of a commercial project consisting of a gas station with associated restaurant and retail space. The proposed development is intended to provide fuel, dining, and retail services to the surrounding area.
Staff finds that the request is consistent with the Killeen 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The proposed development is compatible with the Plan's vision for neighborhood-scale commercial uses by providing services commonly needed by nearby residents, including fuel stations, restaurants, and general retail opportunities.
Based on the proposed use and its consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, staff finds the requested rezoning to be appropriate for the subject property. Staff also notes that any commercial development of the subject property will require the developer to provide a screening device along the western and northern property lines in accordance with Killeen Code of Ordinances Sec. 31-280. A “screening device" is defined as “a solid, opaque fence or wall of stone, brick, split-face concrete block, poured concrete, precast concrete, or other similar masonry material of equal character, density and design, which measures eight (8) feet in height, exclusive of caps on fence posts or pilasters.”
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
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. Public infrastructure is already in place for this property and maintained by the City. Maintenance costs will continue for the life of the 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 “B-3” (Local Business District) as presented.
At their regular meeting on August 10, 2026, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 4 to 3, with Commissioners Sabree, Jones, and Moss in opposition.
Commissioners Sabree and Jones expressed support for the position of the surrounding property owners, while Commissioner Moss raised concerns regarding the endangered horses located on a neighboring property.
Opposition to this request comprises approximately 58.1% of the 200-foot notification boundary.
In accordance with Local Government Code Sec. 211.0061 and Killeen Code of Ordinances Sec. 31-39(f), approval of this request requires the affirmative vote of at least
three-fourths (3/4) of all members of the governing body.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
The Planning and Legal staff have reviewed this item.
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Maps
Site Photos
Minutes
Ordinances
Letter of Request
Survey
Site Development Plan
Responses
Presentation