Texarkana board adopts ordinance limiting truck stops to mixed‑use highway corridors

The board of directors adopted an ordinance amending the Texarkana code to regulate the location and operation of traditional truck stops within the mixed‑use highway zone.

Planning staff explained the ordinance targets facilities that function as traditional truck stops (overnight parking, showers, truck scales, repair facilities) and seeks to keep such uses on major corridors (I‑30, I‑49) rather than in the heart of the city. The ordinance sets parking requirements (one truck space per 200 square feet of public retail space), requires paved ingress and egress, limits inoperable vehicles to a two‑week stay, and requires a security camera plan and state/federal driveway permits prior to final approvals.

Board members discussed economic impacts and whether existing sites that allow truck parking but lack full truck‑stop services would be affected. Staff said sites that do not offer core truck‑stop features (showers, scales, repairs) would not meet the ordinance’s definition. After three readings, the board adopted the ordinance by roll call.