Title
Ordinance - An Ordinance of the City of Mansfield, Texas, Approving a Development Agreement with Aligned Data Centers, Regarding the Development of Approximately 26.897 Acres Generally Located at the Northeast Corner of Heritage Parkway South and Britton Road; Approving a Concept Plan and Phasing Plan; Providing that this Ordinance Shall Be Cumulative of All Ordinances; Providing a Savings Clause; Providing for a Penalty Clause; Providing a Severability Clause; and Providing an Effective Date
Requested Action
Approve and execute the development agreement in accordance with the provisions of the S, South Mansfield Form-based Development District.
Recommendation
That the City Council approve the agreement as presented.
Description/History
At the January 22, 2024, meeting, the City Council approved a change of zoning from PR, Pre-Development District to the S, South Mansfield Form-Based Development District for approximately 26.897 acres Located at the Northeast Corner of Heritage Parkway South and Britton Road. The property will be developed as a Data Center, civic space, and other ancillary uses as permitted by this form-based development district.
Section 155.073(D) of the S, South Mansfield Form-based Development District requires that a developer or a property owner enter into a development agreement and that the provisions of such agreement be approved by the City Council. The required development agreement must include a concept plan depicting proposed layout, proposed transect zone boundaries, proposed civic space types, proposed development intensity, and proposed building types; a phasing plan for the development; and other relevant information.
The development agreement, as presented, is consistent with the provisions set forth in Section 155.73(D) of the S, South Mansfield Form-based Development District and it specifically includes: (i) limitations on the transect zones (e.g., T-4, Urban Transition and T-5, Urban Center Transect Zones); (ii) relaxes building height restrictions due to the intrinsic character of the development; (iii) specific provisions for exterior finish material; (iv) additional urban design considerations to elevate the aesthetic of the project including specific exhibits; and (v) a phasing plan which calls for the construction of this development in a single phase.
Also, in particular, the development agreement provides a definition for “intrinsic character” --- to permit specific deviations from standards in the S, South Mansfield Form-based Development District --- due to use, placement of the building or buildings on the site, and form and massing of the building or buildings on the site.
Due to the intrinsic character, the following deviations are outlined:
• The building setbacks reflect those specifically provided for in EXHIBIT “B”.
• The parking requirements be reduced to a minimum of 50.
• The building elevations (and exterior finish) reflect those specifically attached in EXHIBIT “C” --- and:
o An exemption from a shopfront building frontage.
o An exemption from the maximum length of a single building façade.
o The exterior finish materials conform to those shown in EXHIBIT “C-2”.
To ensure that the project contributes positively to the existing and future urban fabric, a landscaped berm and an acoustic masonry wall a minimum of 25 feet in height is proposed. These urban design considerations will provide visual relief and also provide acoustic and other quality of life benefits.
The development agreement does constitute a “permit” and the development a “project” as such terms are defined in Chapter 245 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Prepared By
Jason Alexander, AICP, CEcD
Executive Director of Planning and Development Services
817-276-4229