Pharr commission approves conditional-use permit for outdoor storage at East Polk Avenue

The Pharr Planning & Zoning Commission on a voice vote approved a conditional-use permit filed by Ben Smith to allow the outside storage of materials and equipment on a 0.39-acre parcel in the 500 block of East Polk Avenue, staff said.

Diego Perez, Planner I for the City of Pharr, told the commission Development Services recommends approval subject to the applicant and site complying with all city ordinances and department requirements. Perez said staff mailed notices to 23 surrounding property owners (June 5, 2026) and published a legal notice (June 3, 2026); the record shows no responses to those notices.

During board discussion commissioners asked whether the storage area would be paved and what would happen to existing structures. Perez said the applicant intends to demolish existing structures and that the site must be paved with concrete or asphalt so “nothing can be on the dirt,” prior to using the area for outdoor storage. He clarified the conditional-use approval does not replace the subdivision process or the need for later building permits for any parking, drainage, or other on-site construction.

A commissioner moved to approve the conditional-use permit and the motion carried with no opposition recorded on the record. The permit approval was recorded on the commission’s minutes; the record does not state individual roll-call tallies.