Development News for Belton, Texas

Belton Council Meeting Opens with Pledges, Invocation, and Scholarship Presentations

The City Council meeting began with formalities including the pledge of allegiance led by Councilmember Daniel Booker, the Texas pledge led by BEEDC Executive Director Cynthia Hernandez, and an invocation by John Holmes. The meeting was called to order at 5:31 PM on Tuesday, May 26th. Public comments were invited, but no one signed up or wished to speak. The council discussed potentially adding a data center to the agenda to encourage public comments. The first agenda item after call to order was a presentation of scholarships from Waste Management (WM) to Belton ISD graduating seniors. Paul Doro from WM presented the scholarships, noting it was the 14th year of the program, with a total of $4,000 awarded this year across four recipients: Anahita Malhorta ($1,500), Palu Marine Gotha Parmul ($1,000), Kanan Hammonds ($750), and Hadley Dollar ($750). The recipients shared their appreciation. Council members and Paul Doro expressed gratitude for the partnership and the positive impact of the scholarship program.

Belton Council Approves Previous Meeting Minutes and Interim Financial Report

The City Council approved consent agenda items four and five. Item four involved adopting the minutes of the previous meetings, specifically the May 12th C joint council meeting with parks and the May 12th council meeting. Item five was an interim financial report for the quarter ending March 31, 2026. A motion to approve both items was made and seconded. The vote to approve consent agenda items four and five passed with all in favor.

Belton Council Postpones Zoning Decision for Boat Repair Business Amid Storage Concerns

The Council considered a zoning change from agricultural to planned development commercial one for approximately 7.7 acres at 3021 Shanklin Road. The applicant plans to establish a boat repair and service operation, relocating from a property purchased by the Rodeo truck stop. The property was annexed in 2006 and zoned agricultural. A residential home exists, and a new 6,000 sq ft metal workshop is proposed. The future land use map indicates mixed-use one. Water and wastewater services are available. A neighbor's concern about outdoor storage led to a condition prohibiting it, though the applicant later clarified the need for temporary outdoor staging for drop-offs and pickups. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with conditions, including prohibiting outdoor storage. After discussion about the definition of storage versus temporary staging, the council voted to postpone the item to a future meeting to allow for further discussion between the applicant and staff.

Belton Approves Zoning Change for Accessory Dwwelling Unit (ADU) on Mosquite Road

The Council considered a zoning change from agricultural to planned development retail to allow an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on approximately 2 acres at 371 Mosquite Road. The applicant currently resides in a home on the property and wishes to build an 800 sq ft, one-bedroom ADU for family and guests. The property was annexed in 2006 and zoned agricultural, but the lot size (2 acres) is below the three-acre minimum for the current zoning. The future land use map designates the area as retail commercial. The proposed ADU requires a septic system, which has been approved by the health department. Notices were sent, and no opposition or support was received. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, requiring compliance with retail zoning standards, a 10-ft side setback reduction, and a subdivision plat for future construction. Council members discussed and proposed adding explicit language to the Planned Development (PD) zoning to confirm that single-family residential use, including the existing home and the ADU, is permitted. This clarification aims to prevent future financing or title issues. The motion to approve included this addition, passing unanimously.