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City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission members received an update Monday on two key planning documents that will guide the city's growth over the next two decades.
During a joint meeting June 9, planning staff presented overviews of the Farmers Branch 2045 Comprehensive Plan and the IH-35E Corridor Vision Study, emphasizing how both documents serve as frameworks for future development decisions.
"These are plans that were shaped by feedback from the community," said Sarah Bergman, deputy director of planning. "The vision and the recommendations set forth in the plan are kind of a culmination of that feedback, and they're not overnight fixes by any means. These are long-term 20-year vision documents."
The comprehensive plan, adopted in August 2023, establishes a vision for Farmers Branch as "a welcoming, diverse, and evolving city that has everything our residents need." The plan emphasizes maintaining the city's "City in a Park" identity while retaining a small-town feel.
Seven guiding values support the vision, covering areas including parks and connectivity, housing diversity, shopping and dining options, redevelopment, and business development. The plan identifies five catalyst sites for potential investment: the east side, Josey and Valwood area, Belt Line corridor, Mustang Station, and Four Corners.
The IH-35E Corridor Vision Study, adopted in February 2021, focuses on a 463-acre area along Interstate 35E. The study envisions the corridor as "the front door to Farmers Branch and a world-class place to live and do business in the Dallas-Fort Worth region."
Planning staff highlighted several implementation successes, including the Builders of Hope Partnership, Dallas County Replacement Housing Program, and the Active Transportation Plan. Recent accomplishments include creation of TIF #4 to fund future improvements and approval of Target Area 1 rezoning in April 2023.
Looking ahead, staff indicated the next steps may include rezoning discussions for Target Areas 2 and 4 along the I-35E corridor. Target Area 2, located between Havenhurst and Squire Place, would focus on large-scale businesses needing highway access, including warehousing and creative industries. Target Area 4, between Squire and Valwood Parkway, envisions restaurant and retail development with entertainment venues.
Commission members emphasized the importance of understanding these planning documents. One member noted that while not everyone agrees with 100% of either plan, both provide valuable frameworks for decision-making.
"This framework was created with lots of citizen input," said Mayor Terry Lynne. "I don't think either one of our groups, the city council, or the P&Z, can function or be as good as they can potentially be, if they're not asking questions."
Staff confirmed that delays in I-35E construction, now expected to complete in June or July 2026 rather than December 2025, would not impact potential zoning discussions.
The planning department emphasized that both documents are meant to be actively used rather than sitting on shelves, connecting to annual strategic planning, budget processes, and development decisions throughout the implementation period.
