🔥 PLANNING & ZONING NIGHT: NEW SCHOOL ZONING RULES, HEIGHT LIMITS & BAND PRACTICE EXCEPTIONS
This week’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting centered on a single zoning text amendment that affects how public schools are reviewed and approved in Princeton. The update adds public schools into Section 82-29 of the zoning code, which lists “Special Uses and Conditions for Approval,” and sets clear standards that apply only to public school campuses. The goal discussed was to recognize the important role schools play in the community while making sure campuses still meet the intent of Princeton’s zoning and development rules.
🏫 PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADDED TO SPECIAL USE ZONING SECTION
By placing public schools under Section 82-29, the amendment creates a dedicated category for them in the zoning code. That means when the school district develops a campus, the project will be reviewed using the conditions listed in this section. The change is meant to support future school planning while still aligning with the city’s development expectations.
🔧 ROOFTOP SCREENING REQUIREMENTS REMOVED FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Today, buildings are normally required to screen rooftop mechanical units so they are not visible from public streets. Under the amendment, public schools will no longer be required to provide rooftop screening. Instead, schools must place the rooftop equipment as far toward the center of the building as possible to help reduce visibility.
🌳 LANDSCAPING EXCEPTION FOR MARCHING BAND PRACTICE AREAS
Parking lots at public schools will continue to follow the city’s landscaping and tree requirements. However, marching band practice areas are given a specific exemption so that students can practice on uninterrupted paved surfaces. These designated practice areas must still be screened from major streets with buildings, berms, landscaping, or trees. Discussion clarified that schools will identify these practice areas on their site plans.
⬆️ SCHOOL BUILDINGS MAY BE BUILT UP TO 70 FEET TALL
Another change in the amendment allows public school buildings to be built up to 70 feet in height. This applies to any public school site in the city. During the meeting, it was noted that only the auditorium at the planned second high school is expected to reach that full height, while the remaining school structures would be lower.
📏 PUBLIC SCHOOLS EXEMPT FROM LOT COVERAGE LIMITS
The amendment also exempts public schools from maximum lot coverage standards, which normally limit how much of a property can be covered by buildings. Schools will still be required to meet stormwater and landscaping standards, meaning open areas and green space will remain part of the design.
🎯 CHANGE APPLIES ONLY TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The language in the amendment makes it clear that these exemptions apply only to public schools. Private schools would continue to follow existing zoning rules and would not receive these exceptions.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4–0 to recommend approval of the amendment to the City Council.
🏆 CITY OF PRINCETON NAMED 2025 TOP WORKPLACE DFW NATIONAL STANDARD WINNER
The City of Princeton was recently recognized as a 2025 Top Workplaces DFW National Standard Winner based on confidential employee feedback in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. This award is part of the annual Top Workplaces DFW program, which highlights organizations that meet or exceed national benchmarks for positive workplace culture and employee satisfaction. The recognition reflects strong internal survey results and celebrates the city’s supportive work environment and staff engagement.
The Stories Everyone’s Talking About
Residents have been actively discussing the unfinished “luxury” apartment complex near Walmart after learning that the current owners are requesting approval to scale back some of the originally approved design features. The posts reflect a mix of frustration, concern about long-term impact on the city, and questions about what authority the city has over how the project proceeds.
Apartment Project Zoning Amendment: Community Reaction
The main topic is the request from the property owner to reduce or remove some of the originally planned materials and amenities, such as brick masonry, garages, staff-intensive services, and water-heavy features like the pool.
Many residents expressed frustration that the project has already remained unfinished for years and has become a highly visible eyesore along U.S. 380. Some residents oppose any “downgrade,” saying the project was approved as a luxury development and should remain that way.
Others take the position that the complex is already deeply problematic, pointing to mold risks, weather exposure, legal disputes, and unpaid fees. There are also strong opinions that the property should be demolished rather than completed.
A smaller number of commenters stated that if the complex is going to be completed, it may make financial sense for the developer to adjust the design to fit what the rental market would realistically support.
Broader Concerns Sparked by the Event
The conversation widened into questions about how the project was approved in the first place, whether the zoning change to multifamily was appropriate for that location, and what oversight the city should have had.
Residents expressed concerns about:
• Public safety and mold exposure
• Property values and appearance
• Future development standards
• Legal and financial liability
• How long the buildings may continue to sit unfinished
Several people also discussed whether the city should enforce the original agreement or step in to remove the structures entirely.
Resources, Capacity, or Readiness Discussions
Some commenters raised questions about unpaid permit fees reportedly totaling more than $650,000, previous ownership issues, and ongoing lawsuits. There were also concerns that additional concessions might encourage further delays or speculation by future buyers rather than actual completion.
City leadership was discussed as well, including whether the city had been sufficiently involved in resolving the issue and whether past decisions contributed to today’s situation. A few officials participated in the discussion to clarify that the zoning amendment has not yet been approved and that the item is still moving through the formal review process.
Community Support & Action
Residents shared agenda links and court filings to help others understand the topic and prepare for the upcoming council meeting where the zoning amendment will be discussed. Some urged others to email council members, while others encouraged continued public oversight of the issue.
No formal fundraisers or donation efforts were noted, though one demolition company publicly offered to assist with teardown if that became the city’s path forward.
✏️ Wrapping Up the Week
This week showed just how much Princeton is growing up as a city, with big-picture planning, community conversations, and decisions that shape what daily life here looks like. From schools and zoning to city culture and the projects everyone keeps an eye on, residents are clearly paying attention and staying engaged. Stick around, because the conversations happening now are setting the tone for what comes next in Princeton.
⭐ Upcoming Events You Shouldn’t Miss
🎲 Thursday Night Games @ Game Nerdz - Allen
📅 January 8 | 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Game Nerdz, 190 E Stacy Rd #1334, Allen, TX 75002
Drop in for a relaxed game night with a welcoming group that loves everything from light party games to strategy favorites. New players are always welcome.
🤝 Weekly Networking Meeting
📅 January 12 | 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
955 State Hwy 121 Suite 130, Allen, TX
A warm, no-fee networking meetup focused on genuine connections and community minded business growth. Come early to mingle before the meeting begins.
🎯 City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting
📅 January 12 | 5:30 PM
Princeton City Hall
A chance to hear updates, decisions, and discussions that shape day to day life in Princeton. Always a good way to stay plugged in to what’s happening locally.
🕊 Administrative Offices Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
📅 January 19 | All Day
City of Princeton
City offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Plan ahead if you need city services.
🩺 Medicare Workshop
📅 January 20 | 5:30 PM
Princeton (Exact location listed by the City)
A helpful session for anyone wanting to better understand Medicare options. Bring your questions and get clear guidance in a friendly setting.
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