The Colony · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in The Colony public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Accessory structure rules and lot coverage limits
The city currently bans 'mother-in-law suites' on most single-family lots. Council is exploring allowing them with strict limits — owner-occupied, no rentals, big-lot-only — to help multigenerational families, but parking and wastewater capacity worries remain.
Precious metals and coin dealer SUP at 5000 Main Street
KC Gold, Silver and Rare Coins is relocating to the Shops at Colony and needs a specific use permit to operate. Staff added conditions to keep it from becoming a pawn shop, and the police department will review security at the certificate-of-occupancy stage.
Blue Sky Sports Center litigation resolution and asset sale
The city consented to the sale of Blue Sky's building and assets, resolving the TOCA Colony v. Blue Sky litigation. Terms were worked out in closed session.
Amarco HQ Office Development
A rare new office project: a three-story, 17,679-square-foot headquarters building for the Amarco real estate corporation in the Business Park district, bringing daytime business traffic to The Colony.
Amarco HQ office building in Business Park district
A new three-story, 17,679-square-foot office building is headed for City Council with a favorable recommendation. It will serve as Amarco's corporate headquarters with a law office tenant, bringing more business activity to the Standridge Drive area near the 121 corridor.
Garage conversion variance at 5676 Powers Street
A homeowner in The Tribute's Somerset Village is requesting a 5-foot side yard setback variance to build an attached patio cover because their rear yard is mostly driveway. Staff recommends denial, stating that altering master-planned setbacks without formal plan amendments undermines the community's long-term design vision.
Grandscape Fountain Digital Art Conversion
The dormant Grandscape fountain will be replaced with nine programmable LED art columns that dim at night, keeping the space lively without disturbing nearby restaurants or the apartment tower.
Film Friendly certification guidelines
The council adopted formal guidelines for film production in the city, a step toward Texas Film Commission 'Film Friendly' certification that could bring media productions — and their spending — to The Colony.
Homestead exemption stays at 5%
Residents flooded council inboxes asking for a bigger homestead exemption, but with sales tax and hotel tax revenue down and mid-year budget cuts already made, no council member would move to raise it. The exemption stays at 5%, and members said they may revisit it next year if revenues recover.
The Rustic restaurant conversion at Grandscape
The former Lava Cantina space is becoming The Rustic, with a new entry trellis and canopy approved. The use shifts from event-focused to a restaurant with small indoor live performances.