Princeton Backs 60-Foot U.S. 380 Buildings As McDonald’s Near FM 75 And Monte Carlo Clears

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Planning & Zoning

Princeton’s Planning and Zoning Commission spent its May 4, 2026 meeting focused on how future growth along U.S. 380 could look and how quickly projects can move forward. The biggest call was a zoning change that raises building height limits near the highway, while commissioners also signed off on a final plat for a McDonald’s near FM 75 and Monte Carlo.

Commission Backs Taller Buildings Along U.S. 380

Commissioners voted 6 to 0 to recommend a zoning ordinance change allowing buildings up to 60 feet tall within 1,000 linear feet of the U.S. 380 right of way. City staff said the current 35-foot cap in the C2 commercial district has made it hard to accommodate projects like hospitals and hotels, and called the change a short-term fix until the full zoning code can be rewritten.

Debate Centers On Traffic, Flooding, And Future Growth

The discussion was not just about height. Commissioners raised concerns about adding more pressure to an already packed 380 corridor, especially if taller projects bring more traffic. Floodplain questions also came up for some land south of 380, though staff said those issues would still have to meet city rules when any actual project is reviewed.

Staff Says The Change Is Narrow On Purpose

Staff told the commission the wording was written tightly so the 60-foot limit would apply only along 380 and not quietly spread into other commercial areas through existing planned developments. That means any push to go beyond the 1,000-foot boundary or over 60 feet would still need to come back through the public process.

Commissioners Press For A Clearer Long-Term Vision

Some commissioners said it was hard to weigh the request without knowing exactly what kind of project may be waiting in the wings. Staff said a developer is interested but details could not be shared, and added that the city’s broader comprehensive plan is expected to come to the commission in June. That plan could give residents a better picture of where Princeton wants growth, traffic, and taller buildings to go.

380 Bypass Still Unfunded

The city also gave a brief update on the long-discussed 380 bypass. Staff said the project is not funded at this time, and no timeline was given. That leaves the city balancing current development pressure on 380 while still waiting on larger state transportation help.

McDonald’s Final Plat Gets Approved

After pulling it from the consent agenda for a closer look, commissioners approved the final plat for a McDonald’s just north of FM 75 and Monte Carlo. The vote passed 5 to 1, with one abstention. Questions focused on missing signatures on the plat page, and staff said those are added after City Council approval. Staff also clarified the site access is from FM 75, not Monte Carlo.

Training And Leadership Vote Coming Next Meeting

Looking ahead, staff told commissioners to expect two items at the next meeting on May 18: a Planning and Zoning-specific training session and a vote for chair and co-chair positions. A commissioner also raised concerns about making sure future appointees live inside city limits, and staff said they would be more involved in checking that after the last issue.

Princeton’s planning board moved two visible items forward Monday night: taller building rules near 380 and the McDonald’s plat near FM 75. Next month could bring a much bigger picture, with the city’s long-range plan expected in June and more discussion still ahead on how Princeton handles growth along its busiest corridor.

Stay connected with real-time updates, local news, and things happening around Princeton throughout the week.

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💼 The Business Toolbox
📅 May 5 | 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
The Business Center 123 W Princeton Drive Suite 200 Princeton TX
A solid pick for small business owners who want to make social media feel less like a full-time job. Practical tips, less overwhelm, and lunch included is a pretty nice combo.

🏛️ Princeton City Council
📅 May 11 | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Princeton Municipal Center, 2000 E. Princeton St., Princeton, TX 75407
If you like knowing what’s happening around town before everyone else does, this is the room to be in. Civic-minded and useful, with strong good-neighbor energy.

🥪 Lunch & Learn
📅 May 13 | 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Texas-New Mexico Power 11626 County Road 496 Princeton, TX
A midday chance to gather, learn, and break up the usual workday rhythm. Always a good excuse to swap your desk lunch for something a little more engaging.

☕ Business & Breakfast
📅 May 19 | 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
The Business Center 123 W Princeton Dr., Suite 200
Early birds and networkers, this one’s calling your name. Bring those business cards and get in the room with people who believe a handshake still matters.

✂️ Ribbon Cutting-LTL Remodeling & Maintenance
📅 May 19 | 9:00 AM
123 W Princeton Drive, Suite 200, Princeton, TX
A ribbon cutting is one of those classic small-town moments that never gets old. Stop by and help welcome LTL Remodeling & Maintenance in proper community style.

🏢 Princeton EDC
📅 May 19 | 6:00 PM
Princeton Municipal Center Chamber 2000 E. Princeton Rd. Princeton, TX 75407
For anyone curious about growth, development, and where Princeton is headed, this is worth having on your radar. It’s the kind of meeting that helps connect the dots.

🏙️ Princeton CDC
📅 May 20 | 6:00 PM
Princeton Municipal Center 2000 E. Princeton Dr. Princeton, TX 75407
Another good one for staying plugged into the local picture. Not flashy, sure, but definitely useful if you like being in the know.

🇺🇸 Placing Flags at Princeton Cemetery
📅 May 22 | 9:00 AM
Princeton Cemetery, Yorkshire Drive
A meaningful community moment to honor veterans by placing flags at their gravesites. Quiet, heartfelt, and a beautiful way to show respect.

🏛️ Princeton City Council
📅 May 25 | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Princeton Municipal Center, 2000 E. Princeton St., Princeton, TX 75407
A second City Council meeting rounds out the month for those keeping tabs on local decisions. Very much the place for civic curiosity and neighborly attentiveness.