P&Z approves heavy equipment specific use permit; city council denies it

UPDATE: The Waxahachie City Council has since unanimously voted to deny the specific use permit for H&E Equipment Services. The action was taken at the council’s Aug. 7 meeting.

John Fainter, vice president of Turcotte Development Group, walked through a similar presentation with council members during the meeting; however, they voiced concerns about this type of development going into a restaurant and retail heavy area.

It is unknown at this time if the developer will continue to pursue the project in Waxahachie. ---

During its July 25 meeting, the Waxahachie Planning and Zoning Commission approved a specific use permit for a heavy equipment rental and sales use within commercial zoning by a 5-1 vote, with commission member Erik Test dissenting, and commission member David Hudgins absent.

The specific use permit would allow H&E Equipment Services to operate at 2021 Corporate Parkway, near Branded Burger, Fish City Grill and Atwoods. H&E, founded in 1961, is one of the largest equipment rental companies in the nation and provides heavy equipment rentals, service and occasionally sales. They have more than 120 locations across the nation.

Located on 4.266 acres, the 6,140-square-foot building will house a customer lobby, office and service shop. A customer parking lot will be located in the front, with the heavy equipment being stored outside and behind the building. The outside storage area will be enclosed by an 8-foot fence and a gate. H&E’s hours of operation will be from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

In their report, city staff recommended denial for the specific use permit because they believed it would have a “negative impact on the viability of other commercial uses developing in the surrounding area.” H&E often works with TxDOT on roadway projects and other companies on “large-scale projects,” bringing heavy truck traffic to an area of restaurants and retail. “As far as staff is concerned, this use is just not appropriate in the location where it’s being proposed,” Eleana Tuley, senior planner, said. “Therefore, in the interest of fostering a thriving commercial environment, staff believes it’s essential to prioritize the long-term viability of this area by denying this project.”

John Fainter, vice president of Turcotte Development Group, walked through a presentation on the project and on how H&E will use the site. He explained that there will only be two 18-wheelers going in and out of the property and they will be driven by H&E employees, who have undergone a “rigorous safety training.” H&E delivers equipment to customers, leaving early in the morning and returning late in the afternoon, Fainter said.

“It is also important to note that they do not serve the weekend warrior, the do-it-yourself customer or the shade tree contractor,” Fainter said. “They don’t have a showroom or outdoor display area. The average equipment rental duration is 70 days. This is important because H&E handles deliveries to job sites versus contractors coming to the facility to pick up the equipment. In other words, they control and limit traffic to and from their facility.”

“There will never be large lines of 18-wheelers hauling equipment in and out of the development,” he added later in the presentation.

Fainter explained to the commission how H&E is already serving Waxahachie through its site in Mesquite, but they hope to have a branch in the city. With the additional branch, 15 jobs will be available, with Fainter saying they want to source locally. He shared that H&E generates $10 million in annual sales, with about $200,000 in sales taxes, and $20-35 million in inventory, with about $126,000-$220,000 in personal property taxes.

“This revenue and work is already serving Waxahachie,” Fainter said. “Now, they want to call Waxahachie their home.”

The matter will be presented at the upcoming city council meeting Aug. 7. Originally published August 7, 2023 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/business/updated-p-z-approves-heavy-equipment-specific-use-permit-city-council-denies-it/article_5636f742-353c-11ee-9492-dbcce267b843.html