Rockwall council denies zoning amendment request for outside storage at Springer Road

The Rockwall City Council voted unanimously on May 4 to deny Z2026‑014, a request by Chris Sharp/5 Sharp Real Estate LLC to amend Planned Development District 46 to allow outside storage at 3301 Springer Road.

Staff presented a history of compliance problems at the property, including operating without a certificate of occupancy, constructing a fence without a permit, failure to record a required subdivision plat and use of parking areas for outside storage. Planning & Zoning reviewed submitted concept and landscape plans but identified deficiencies: proposed outside storage overlapped required parking and a city utility easement, and the proposed single row of eastern red cedars did not meet the city’s screening standards. P&Z voted 7–0 to recommend denial.

After the public hearing produced no speakers, Council member Lewis moved to deny Z2026‑014, the mayor seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Staff noted that approval would have required variances through the site-plan process and a supermajority vote (6 of 7) because of the code issues.

Ryan (city planning staff) told the council the applicant had been given time to submit required materials but had not fully addressed parking and screening concerns; the council concluded the submittal was insufficient and denied the request.

The council also set a new public hearing date for a related SUP (Z2026‑011, Big Tex Trailers) to May 18 after staff requested additional review time.