History
History and Zoning and Firewheel Farms No 2.
In May and June of 1992, Richard Ferrara Architect, Inc. working on behalf of the developer Ewing-Millcreek Associates LP at Texas Limited Partnership, submitted an application to change and existing PD 85-23- to a Planned Development subdivision for Single-Family use to be known as Firewheel Farms 2. The application went through public hearings and was approved as PD-92-20 which is available on the Firewheel Farms website and from the Planning and Development Division of the City of Garland.
PD 92-20 was presented to the city council and approved as Ordinance 4608, 21 July 1992, thus establishing the Subdivision Firewheel Farms No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5.
The Firewheel Farms Home Owners Association was approved by Garland City Council in Ordinance 4608 as a mandatory association. The association was initially incorporated in February 1993 under complete control of the developer Ewing Millcreek LP. The Association was turned over to residents in 1998. The initial president was Herb Meeks.
LINK FOR PD 92-20 and ORDINANCE 4608
Texas Governmental Structure foundation for PD92-20 and Ordinance 4608. The Texas Constitution establishes authority for municipalities to regulate zoning in the chapter Local Government Code Chapter 211 Municipal Zoning Authority. A.” Zoning powers exist to promote public health, safety, morals, and general welfare, and to preserve areas of historical or cultural importance.”B. Scope of Regulation (Sec. 211.003):Building height, size, and storiesLot coverage and open space requirementsPopulation density controlsLand use for business, industrial, residential, or other purposesRegulation of groundwater use (to prevent health risks)C. Administration:Zoning commissions and boards handle adoption, appeals, and variances.Judicial review is available for board decisions.Community Planning and Zoning ensures compatible land use, protects property values, and supports infrastructure planning.
City of Garland Single Family Zoning.(Others include multi-family, Industrial, Retail etc.)These districts regulate density, setbacks, and lot coverage to preserve neighborhood character.SF-E (Estate): Larger lot sizes, typically suburban estate-style homes, SF-10, SF-7, SF-5: minimum lot sizes of 10,000, 7,000, and 5,000 sq.ft.SFA – Single-Family Attached (Townhouse) DistrictPD Planned Development Districts. Encourages innovative design and creative land use.Provides a way to balance developer needs with community goals.Helps implement the Comprehensive Plan by allowing zoning flexibility.Allows site-specific development standards beyond the typical residential and commercial categories.
Key Features of Garland Planned Development DistrictsCustom Standards: Instead of following the strict rules of a base district, a PD can establish its own lot sizes, building heights, setbacks, and design requirements.Concept & Detail Plans: A PD usually requires submission of a concept plan (general layout and intent) and sometimes a detail plan (specific site design).Flexibility: PD zoning is often used for mixed-use developments, master-planned communities, or unique projects that need exceptions from standard zoning.Approval Process: PDs must be approved by Garland’s City Council after review by the Plan Commission. Public hearings are part of the process.Amendments: Once adopted, a PD can be amended if the developer or city wants to change the standards or uses allowed
The Garland Planning and Development Board Accepts applications for zoning requests, requires detail plans and determines suitability to the development and zoning plan, grants approval or rejection. Forwards approvals to the City Council for adoption as an ordinance. Planning Board Decisions may possibly be reviewable by court of law. The Garland City Council The council reviews the approved Planning and Development Board’s recommendations and holds a public meeting to review and adopt zoning recommendations of the Planning and Development Board. Violations. Garland sets fees and charges for violations of ordinances and codesFines and citations are the most common penalties.City abatement at owner’s expense occurs when violations aren’t corrected.Vehicle immobilization applies to repeated unpaid parking tickets.Rental properties face stricter enforcement, including permit revocation.
LINK TO PD 92-20 and Ordinance 6408
Prepared by Charles Lundin, President and Director. 11/24/2025