Commission clarifies PD to limit office to 25% of I‑35 frontage, favoring retail and restaurants

The Red Oak Planning & Zoning Commission on March 30 approved an amendment to a planned‑development district to limit office use along the Interstate 35 frontage and preserve those lots for retail and restaurant uses.

Rodri, the city’s planning & zoning manager, told commissioners the change reflects City Council’s request to keep the spirit of the original PD by reserving highway frontage for sales‑tax‑generating businesses and restaurants. "We wanted to make sure that we captured and ensured that it remained steadfast with the original zoning which called for no more than 25% ... office usage right there off of the I35 frontage," Rodri said during the staff presentation.

Staff said the PD data table has been revised to reflect the 25% cap and to clarify which lots on the frontage are intended for retail/restaurant versus office uses behind the frontage row. The commission moved and approved the PD amendment; staff said the commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council under the city’s standard review process for final action.

Why this matters: The limit reduces the risk that professional offices or other non‑retail uses occupy prime highway frontage that is designed to serve customers and generate sales tax revenue. Staff framed the change as maintaining the original development intent while allowing office uses elsewhere in the project.

What’s next: The PD amendment approved by the commission will be forwarded to City Council for final consideration in accordance with the city’s zoning process.