By Ralph C. Jensen
A short agenda from the Murphy Planning and Zoning Commission saw the approval of the application of the Plano ISD, requesting approval of the final plat for McMillan High School. The property is located on North Murphy Road, north of Spring Ridge Dr.
PISD submitted a plat in order to replat the addition known as the Plano ISD Complex. The original Plano ISD Complex addition was approved in 2003; however, that did not take into account fire lanes, access, utility and electric easements that are necessary for McMillan High School.
The final plat incorporates the necessary easements for the nearly completed school, as required by various city codes and regulations.
The commission also held a public hearing to consider the application from the city to amend Chapter 86 of the city’s code of ordinances regarding alternative financial establishments—check cashing business, payday advance or loan business or a car title loan business.
The current comprehensive zoning ordinance was adopted on May 17, 2004 (Ordinance No. 04-05-610). The city council adopted the 2008 comprehensive plan on Oct. 6, 2008.
City staff has proposed an amendment to Chapter 86 of the comprehensive zoning ordinance to add definitions for alternative financial establishment, which are permitted uses within the retail district, light commercial district and business park district. They also want to amend the land use under the division of “Retail District,” “Light Commercial District,” and “Business Park District” as a land use for “Alternative Financial Establishments,” “Car Title Loan Business,” “Cash Checking Business,” and “Payday Advance or Loan Business,” and designating such as allowed only by Specific Use Permit.
The term does not include a bank, savings and loan or credit union. It also does not include a pawn shop or grocery store or a convenience story or similar retail business that cashes checks or money orders or issues money orders or money transfers for a minimum flat fee.
Commission member recommended the changes to amend Chapter 86 in the city of Murphy Code of Ordinances and forwarded the application to the city council. A hearing before council will be held at a later date.
