HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/15/2026 - Regular Minutes - Planning & Zoning CommissionJanuary 15, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes Page 1 of 5
Minutes Planning and Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting January 15, 2026
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairperson Jason Cornelius, Aron Collins, Tre Watson,
Warren Finch, David Higdon, and Michael Buckley
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Marcus Chaloupka and Warren Finch COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mark Smith
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Director of Planning & Development Services Anthony Armstrong, Assistant Director of Planning & Development Molly Hitchcock, City Engineer Carol Cotter, Transportation Planning Administrator Jason Schubert, Long Range Planning Administrator Chrisine Leal, Principal Planner Heather Wade, Community Development Administrator David
Brower, Deputy City Attorney Leslie Whitten, Administrative Support Specialist Kristen Hejny,
and Technology Services Specialist Trey Bransom 1. Call Meeting to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Consider Absence Request.
Chairperson Cornelius called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. Hear Visitors
No visitors spoke. 3. Consent Agenda
3.1 Consideration, discussion, and possible action to approve meeting minutes.
• November 20, 2025
Commissioner Watson moved to approve the Consent Agenda, Commissioner
Collins seconded the motion, the motion passed 5-0. 4. Consideration, discussion, and possible action on items removed from the Consent Agenda by Commission Action.
No items were removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
5. Regular Agenda 5.1 Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an ordinance
amending Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance, Article 11, "Definitions," Section
11.2 "Defined Terms" of the Code of ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas,
January 15, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 5
regarding the definition of family. Case # ORDA2025-000010 (Note: Final action on this item is scheduled for the January 22, 2026 City Council meeting - subject to change)
Planner Wade presented the ordinance amendment to the Commission recommending approval. Commissioner Collins clarified that this amendment would not change the legal definition
of a family and asked for further clarification on what this amendment accomplishes.
Planner Wade clarified that the City Council wanted to see a traditional definition of a family included in the Unified Development Ordinance, in some way.
Chairperson Cornelius opened the public hearing.
No visitors spoke. Chairperson Cornelius closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Collins moved to recommend approval of the ordinance amendment. Commissioner Watson seconded the motion; the motion was approved 5-0.
6. Informational Agenda
6.1 Presentation and discussion regarding an overview of Community Development Division housing programs as well as an update on Housing Action Plan implementation.
Administrator Brower presented an update on current housing programs and the Housing Action Plan to the Commission and was available to answer questions.
Commissioner Collins asked for an example of a Down Payment Assistance (DAP).
Administrator Brower explained that the City provides down payment assistance and allows payments to be controlled at no more than a certain percentage of the family’s gross monthly income. Mr. Brower also explained that once the homeowners no longer own or occupy the home, the down payment assistance funds come back to the City as equity.
Chairperson Cornelius asked if staff knows how many people will quality for DAP with
the adjustment in income ranges.
Administrator Brower stated that Staff performed a gap analysis to collect that information.
Commissioner Collins asked for the definition of affordable housing as it is applied to a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home.
January 15, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 5
Administrator Brower clarified that affordability is defined as housing being no more than 30% of a family’s gross monthly income.
Commissioner Higdon asked how the student population impacts these numbers.
Administrator Brower stated that students are not factored into these numbers, traditional students cannot apply for programs.
Commissioner Higdon asked if parents could apply for programs on behalf of students.
Administrator Brower clarified that parents cannot apply for the programs as the applicant
has to be the occupant of the home.
Commissioner Watson asked where previous years Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds were spent.
Administrator Brower clarified that last year’s budget included public facility activities, which included the sidewalk along Foster Avenue, rental housing rehab partnering with
Elder Aid, non-profit funding, and refurbishing the splash pad at the Lincoln Recreation
Center.
Commissioner Watson asked if CDBG funds are used for home repair.
Administrator Brower confirmed that there was a program called the Optional Relocation Program, where the program would relocate people, demolish and rebuild homes.
Commissioner Watson asked why CDBG funds are not used to repair houses and
roadways.
Administrator Brower clarified that CDBG funds are used for both home and roadway repairs
Commissioner Collins asked for the timeline on the Point in Time (PIT) count.
Administrator Brower clarified that the City of College Station correlates their PIT count
with the shelter count.
Commissioner Watson asked for historical information on when reduced or waived fees were dedicated to affordable housing.
Director Armstrong clarified that impact fees have never been waived for an affordable
housing development. Mr. Armstrong also clarified that the only applicable developers for
these types of affordable housing fee reductions or waivers are non-profits.
Commissioner Higdon asked if transportation needs are met for non-profit developments.
January 15, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes Page 4 of 5
Administrator Brower clarified that the Housing Advisory Committee is cognizant of multi-modal and better transportation.
Commissioner Collins requested mapping information of where these types of
developments are being directed within the City of College Station.
6.2 Discussion of new development applications submitted to the City. New Development Link: www.cstx.gov/newdev
There was no discussion.
6.3 Presentation and discussion regarding an update on items heard:
• A request to rezone approximately 2.6 acres of land generally located at the terminus of Castle Rock Parkway from PDD Planned Development District to PDD Planned Development District to amend the concept plan. The Planning
& Zoning Commission heard this item on November 20, 2025 and voted (7-0)
to recommend approval of the rezoning. The City Council heard this item on December 11, 2025 and voted (6-0-1) to approve the request.
There was no discussion.
6.4 Presentation and discussion regarding the P&Z Calendar of Upcoming Meetings:
• Thursday, January 22, 2026 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Open Meeting 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, February 5, 2026 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, February 12, 2026 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~
Open Meeting 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, February 19, 2026 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m.
There was no discussion.
6.5 Discussion and review regarding the following meetings: Design Review Board and
BioCorridor Board.
• December 5, 2025 ~ Design Review Board Meeting ~ BTU Holleman Substation 11720 Old Wellborn Road
There was no discussion.
7. Discussion and possible action on future agenda items.
Chairperson Conrelius requested a map showing all properties not owner occupied, within the City of College Station.
January 15, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 5
Director Armstrong confirmed that staff would provide a map to the Commission showing all properties registered with the Rental Registration program.
8.Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Approved: Attest:
_____________________________ _________________________________ Jason Cornelius, Chairperson Kristen Hejny, Board Secretary
Planning & Zoning Commission Planning & Development Services