Entertainment Overlay District

Purpose

In October 2020, the City of Farmers Branch City Council adopted an ordinance creating an"" "Entertainment Overlay District" within the City's East Side. The purpose of the Entertainment Overlay District is to allow destination-oriented venues to promote a vibrant and active East Side, thereby providing residents and employees with opportunities for socialization and entertainment.

This district is anticipated to encourage economic development through infill and redevelopment of underutilized properties and adaptive reuse of existing buildings, assisting in ongoing revitalization efforts. The balance of land uses and businesses for working, living, shopping and entertainment will potentially increase the quality of life for residents and employees of Farmers Branch and help create a unique identity for the East Side. Read through the Entertainment Overlay District Ordinance (PDF).

Overlay District Boundary

The overlay district boundary consists of Spring Valley Road to the north, Midway Road to the west and Inwood Road to the east. The southern boundary is Simonton Road from Midway Road to Welch Road, south along Welch Road to McEwen Road, east along McEwen Road / Galleria Drive and ending at the eastern city limit line. View the Entertainment Overly District Map (PDF).

Businesses""

Several land uses and businesses that support the goals and objectives of this proposed overlay district are already allowed by right within this area, such as the following:

  • Indoor commercial amusement
  • Breweries, wineries and brewpubs
  • General and qualifying restaurants

Additional land uses that are being allowed by right are as follows: Bishop Arts District

  • Indoor banquet hall or event center
  • Bar or tavern
  • Distillery
  • Private club
  • Indoor theater

It is important to note that any existing business or land use that is currently permitted within the applicable zoning district will continue to be permitted moving forward, irrespective of the implementation of the proposed overlay district. The objective of this proposed zoning amendment is to relax zoning restrictions and allow more businesses to open and invest within the City's East Side.

Smoking Establishments

Smoking establishments are allowed within the district with the approval of a Specific Usea group of people walking down the street Permit (SUP). An SUP is considered an additional zoning action and allows for a case-by-case review, subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approval by the City Council. Only business establishments generating a minimum of 30% of their total gross revenue from on-premise sales and consumption of tobacco and related products and accessories will be considered smoking establishments. Smoking establishments are not allowed elsewhere within the City outside of the proposed Entertainment Overlay District boundaries.

Requirements

The following requirements are proposed to be added for any new smoking establishment within the proposed Entertainment Overlay District in order to reduce potential negative air quality impacts related to these businesses:

  • Adequate ventilation must be provided as required by the International Building Code as adopted and amended, and the City's Smoking Ordinance
  • Shall conspicuously post a sign stating "This is a smoking establishment" at all entrances to the establishment
  • Shall provide an air filtration system that prevents the commingling of air with other businesses, common areas, hallways and other non-smoking areas
  • Shall provide tenant demising walls that terminate at the roof deck with all penetration sealed, constructed in accordance with the International Building Code, as adopted and amended

Feedback Received

We mailed a short survey along with a brief description of the proposed Entertainment Overlay District and its boundary area map to property and business owners located in and within 200 feet of the proposed Entertainment Overlay District, on July 3, 2020. This same survey was also available online on the City's website during the same time until August 14, 2020. The analysis of the survey responses (PDF) is now available.