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Hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance submitted by City staff, on behalf of the property owners, (Case# Z25-18) to rezone approximately 1.39 acres, being Lot 3, Block 2, out of the Julius Alexander Industrial Subdivision from “M-1” (Manufacturing District) to “R-3A” (Multifamily Apartment Residential District). The subject property is locally addressed as 400 Liberty Street, Killeen, Texas.
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DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Wallis Meshier, Exec. Dir. Of Dev.
SUBJECT: Zoning Case #Z25-18: “M-1” to “R-3A”
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Property Information:
Property Owner: Urban Living Luxe V LLC
Agent: N/A
Current Zoning: “M-1” (Manufacturing District)
Proposed Zoning: “R-3A” (Multifamily Apartment Residential District)
FLUM Designation: ‘Campus’ (C)
Growth Sector Designation: ‘Neighborhood Infill’
Summary of Request:
This is a city-initiated request to rezone the property at 400 Liberty Street from
“M-1” (Manufacturing District) to “R-3A” (Multifamily Apartment Residential District) in order to allow multifamily apartment residential uses by-right.
This request aims to amend the property's current zoning to make it consistent with the existing multifamily residential land use. The existing structures are considered legal non-conforming and therefore subject to the Killeen Code of Ordinances Section 31-54, which states that a nonconforming structure cannot be rebuilt in case of total destruction. If approved, this City-initiated request to rezone the property will bring the current use of the properties into compliance. The property owner plans to rebuild the apartment building that was destroyed in the 2025 Atkinson Avenue fire. Rezoning the property to “R-3A” (Multifamily Apartment Residential District) will allow the property owner to submit permits for the proposed multifamily building.
The goal of the City-initiated request is to ensure that the property owner can rebuild the apartment building, meet all code regulations, and to be better positioned to sell or refinance their property in the future, should they choose to do so. This rezoning initiative will have no negative impacts on this property, nor will it affect the property values.
Zoning/Plat Case History:
The subject property was annexed into the City limits on May 25, 1959. The property was subsequently zoned “M-1” (Manufacturing District). The property is currently platted as Lot 3, Block 2, Julius Alexander Industrial Subdivision.
Character of the Area:
North: Undeveloped property zoned “R-3A” (Multifamily Apartment Residential District)
South: Existing business zoned “M-1” (Manufacturing District)
East: Undeveloped property zoned “R-3A” (Multifamily Apartment Residential District)
West: Existing business zoned “B-4” (Business District) and an apartment building zoned “M-1” (Manufacturing District)
Future Land Use Map Analysis:
This property is located within the ‘Neighborhood Infill’ area on the Growth Sector Map and designated as ‘Campus’ (C) on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) of the 2022 Comprehensive Plan.
The ‘Neighborhood Infill’ area on the Growth Sector Map includes areas of the city that are already developed and have access to city services and infrastructure, but have vacant, underutilized, or poorly developed properties. Growth policies for this sector should encourage development or redevelopment of these properties with accessory dwelling units, smallplexes, and micro commercial that provides incremental increases in density. Development should match the existing character and improve walkable access to businesses and amenities for people living and working in the vicinity.
The ‘Campus’ place type is characterized by large-scale institutional developments and the amenities and offerings that come with them. Examples of these large developments would be Texas A&M Central Texas & KISD Schools as well as large church developments. These places serve as regional destinations because of their service and educational prowess with a unique place type is critical. While these spaces are likely to be religious, office, or educational in nature, residential use is also likely here to serve the needs of those who spend a lot of time on the campus. This place type encourages one hundred percent (100%) nonresidential and twenty-five percent (25%) residential use mix.
The request supports or furthers the following Comprehensive Plan recommendations:
§ LU3 - Encourage incremental evolution of neighborhoods.
§ NH7 - Focus on delivering housing for those in need.
Development Zone Analysis:
This property is located within the City of Killeen Development Zone #2. This development zone is north of Veterans Memorial Boulevard and east of WS Young Drive.
The current land use mix within this area comprises the following acreages and percentages approximately:
District Acreage Percent
Special Districts 88.35 1.96%
Residential 2,960.10 65.57%
Industrial 990.19 21.93%
Commercial 467.44 10.35%
Agricultural 8.15 0.18%
Total 4,514.23 100.00%
Vacant Land 1729.44 38.31%
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 and are available to the subject tract.
Water services are available for the property via an existing 8” water distribution main located in Liberty Street. Wastewater services are available for the property via an existing 10” wastewater main located in Liberty Street.
There is no existing stormwater infrastructure adjacent to the property.
Transportation and Thoroughfare Plan:
Access for the property is via Liberty Street (65’ ROW), which is classified as a local street in the currently adopted Comprehensive Plan.
PARKS AND PROPOSED TRAIL PLAN:
There are no proposed parks or trails located on this site. Parkland dedication, fees in-lieu-of parkland dedication, and parkland development fees will not be required because the property is already developed.
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 Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map 48027C0280E with effective date September 26, 2008. The property is not impacted by any wetlands or riverine areas, as shown on the National Wetlands Inventory maps for the property. No visual evidence of other environmental impediments is apparent on the property at this time.
Public Notification:
Staff notified seventeen (17) surrounding property owners regarding this request. To date, staff has received no responses regarding this request.
Staff Findings:
There are two existing structures located on the property. The surrounding area includes a mix of multi-family and commercial properties. Staff finds that the request is consistent with the recommendations of the Killeen 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
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 cost 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 City-initiated request to rezone the property from “M-1” (Manufacturing District) to “R-3A” (Multifamily Residential Apartment District) as presented.
At their regular meeting on October 13, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the request as presented by a vote of 5 to 0.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
This item has been reviewed by the Planning and Legal staff.
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Maps
Site Photos
Minutes
Ordinance
Presentation