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Conduct a public hearing and consider adopting Ordinance No. 3858 amending the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) related to Card Rooms; and take appropriate action.
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BACKGROUND:
The proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) are a City-led initiative to create a new and unlisted use termed "Card Room." This includes defining the use, setting special performance standards, and establishing parking and loading regulations. The CZO does not include "Card Room" in its Use Table under Section 2.4.C. Since the CZO states that any use not listed within its charts is prohibited, any property in the City intended for use as a card room requires an amendment to authorize this land use. The request to amend the Use Table originated from Mr. Douglas Polk, who was prompted by the staff's identification of this unlisted use. Although Mr. Polk applied for a text amendment, the case is being treated as a "city-initiated" amendment. This approach acknowledges the opportunity to address this matter for future applicants with similar requests.
Sections 2.4.A. and 6.3.B. of the CZO outline the process for adding a new or unlisted use through a text amendment to the CZO. Through this process, the Commission and Council shall consider the nature of the proposed new use, its compatibility with the City's zoning districts, and the district or districts where it should be allowed or permitted by Specific Use Permit (SUP).
Card rooms typically refer to establishments where individuals can play various forms of poker, such as Texas Hold 'em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud, for stakes. Although card rooms are present in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, none are within the Farmers Branch. Card rooms often feature tables for cash games and tournaments, with varying buy-in amounts and prize pools. They may also offer amenities like food and beverage service, comfortable seating, and entertainment options to enhance the player experience. These rooms ma...
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