Nolan Carpenter

The board discussed and conducted public hearings regarding variance requests for property signs exceeding maximum area requirements and a front yard fence height variance. Additionally, the board considered administrative agenda items and staff reports concerning zoning ordinances and compliance.

The City Council meeting included the authorization of a contract for tourism marketing services and the approval of grant applications for rifle-resistant body armor and a victim assistance grant. Amendments to the Building Life Safety Grant Program were considered and approved. A public hearing was held regarding the annexation of specific rights-of-way. The council also reviewed future revisions to the short-term rental ordinance and unanimously affirmed a local disaster declaration related to a weather emergency. Additionally, the council convened in an executive session to deliberate on economic development negotiations and consult with legal counsel.

The board discussed a variance request for a front yard fence height exceeding the maximum allowable limit of 36 inches at a residential property. Staff reviewed the request, noting the applicant's inability to reduce the fence height, and evaluated the proposal against city zoning ordinances and strategic goals. Additionally, the board managed administrative tasks, including public comments and hearing procedures.

The agenda includes a presentation and discussion regarding available economic development tools for the City of Belton and the Belton Economic Development Corporation. It further includes a memorandum regarding options for modernizing the governance, authority, and funding alignment of the Belton Economic Development Corporation to better match the current needs and fiscal priorities of the city.

The agenda for the meeting included considering the minutes from the February 17, 2026 meeting, and several public hearings and considerations for zoning changes and final plats. Key zoning considerations involved a request to change approximately 34.737 acres (Hidden Trails Subdivision Phase 2) from Single Family-3 to Planned Development-Single Family-3, with staff recommending approval subject to conditions like maintaining a minimum 50% masonry on the front façade. Other zoning requests included changing an Agricultural parcel to Commercial-2 for a truck parking lot (staff recommended disapproval due to floodway proximity) and changing a Commercial Highway parcel to Planned Development-Commercial-2 for an auto tire repair shop (staff recommended approval). Final plat considerations included Burnet Addition Phase 2, River Place Estates Phase 10, and River Farm Phases 1B-1 and 1B-2.