SUBJECT
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Public Hearing and Introductory Ordinance concerning a voluntary annexation request by Russell Palmer, on behalf of Las Islitas Ranch, LLC, altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo to annex approximately 59.89 acres of land, more or less, of land located northeast of FM 1472 and Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course; providing for the effective date of the ordinance; authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory; and establishing the initial zoning of B-3 (Community Business District) for approximately 14.40 acres of land and approximately 1.039 acres of land, more or less, and R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) for approximately 44.452 acres of land, more or less, as described by metes and bounds in the attached Exhibit “A.”
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the annexation and initial zoning of B-3 (Community Business District) and R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).
Staff supports the annexation and initial zoning of B-3 (Community Business District) and R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).
AN-003-2025
District VII - Cm. Vanessa Perez
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Pursuant to Ordinance 2020-O-130, there are two (2) annexation cycles per year.
BACKGROUND
Texas Local Government Code Section 43.0673 requires a public hearing before City Council. The public hearing was held on January 20, 2026. The petition for annexation was presented before the Planning and Zoning Commission on November 6, 2025 for a recommendation. The petition will subsequently go before City Council for final reading of the ordinance on March 16, 2026.
Tract 3 is as follows:
Voluntary Annexation:
Tract 3 - 59.89 acres of land, more or less, located at northeast of FM 1472 and Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course.
Petitioner: Russell Palmer, on behalf of Las Islitas Ranch, LLC
Council District: District VII - Cm. Vanessa Perez
Proposed Use: B-3 (Community Business District) for approximately 14.40 acres of land and approximately 1.039 acres of land, more or less, and R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) for approximately 44.452 acres of land, more or less.
Site: The site is currently vacant and undeveloped.
Surrounding Land Uses: To the north and east, the area is vacant and undeveloped. To the southwest is FM 1472 and the Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course, and adjacent to the northwest is a gas well and tank battery facility located outside city limits.
Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map identifies this tract as High Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, Low Density Residential, and Mixed-Use Center uses.
https://www.openlaredo.com/planning/2017_Comprehensive_Plan-Viva_Laredo.pdf#page=39
Transportation Plan: The Future Transportation Plan identifies FM 1472 as an expressway.
https://www.cityoflaredo.com/home/showpublisheddocument/21421/638941324987500000
Letters sent to surrounding property owners: (2) In Favor: (0) Opposed: (0)
STAFF COMMENTS:
Property owners have 180 days following the effective date of an annexation to request a zone change without a fee charged.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the proposed annexation and zoning designation on November 6, 2026 and, in a 6 to 0 vote, recommended approval of the annexation and initial zoning of B-3 (Community Business District) and R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff supports the proposed annexation.
Staff supports the proposed initial zoning of B-3 (Community Business District) and R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District). The proposed initial zoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Map, which designates this area for High, Medium, and Low Density Residential, as well as Mixed-Use Center uses. The combination of B-3 (Community Business District) near the primary access from FM 1472 and R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) within the interior of the tract provides an appropriate transition of commercial to residential uses.
IMPACT ANALYSIS
B-3 (Community Business District):
The purpose of the B-3 District is to provide for those businesses and services serving a trade area larger than a neighborhood, but smaller than the entire City and located primarily along minor or principal arterial streets, as classified in the Transportation Plan of the City of Laredo. It is intended for this zoning classification to exist primarily abutting minor or principal arterial streets while preserving established residential neighborhoods along such streets.
R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District):
The purpose of the R-1A District is to provide for residential uses and those public uses normally considered an integral part of the residential neighborhood they serve. In addition, this district provides for the subdivision of single-family residential lots with a minimum of four thousand five hundred (4,500) square feet.
Is this change contrary to the established land pattern?
No. The surrounding land pattern is vacant and undeveloped. However, directly opposite to the subject tract is the Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course, which provides recreational use that complements the proposed residential and commercial uses of the subject tract.
Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
No. The surrounding land is vacant and undeveloped.
Will this change adversely influence living condition in the neighborhood?
No. This tract is surrounded by vacant and undeveloped land.
Are there substantial reasons why the property cannot be used in accordance with existing zoning?
N/A
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Fiscal Impact
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FINANCIAL IMPACT:
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