Mesquite, TX – February 5, 2020 – Effective Feb.3, a commercial moratorium is in effect on the development of convenience stores within the corporate city limits of Mesquite. During the moratorium, no city employee, officer, official, agency, department, board or commission of the City will accept applications or plans for development for permits, plats, verifications, rezoning or site plans. View the temporary moratorium. Watch the Feb. 3 presentation and approval on the temporary moratorium.

Director of Planning and Development Services, Jeff Armstrong says, “This is not to get rid of convenience stores or to never have a new convenience store ever again, this is simply a short term pause in issuing those sorts of permits.”

The crime rate at convenience stores in Mesquite, particularly aggravated burglaries, is significantly higher than at other specific businesses. At a special City Council Meeting on Jan. 28, Captain Yates with the Mesquite Police Department presented a Crime Reduction Plan that included several strategies to help improve the safety of convenience stores. Including a registration program, surveillance camera systems, alarm systems, drop safes, signage, height markers, store visibility and other methods to enhance safety and security.

This moratorium shall remain in force for up to 90 days. The City Council may extend the Moratorium for an additional 90 days if necessary, to complete the process of adopting the new or revised regulations.

If you have questions or concerns on the temporary moratorium, call the Planning and Development Services Department at 972-216-6216.