Making the “Unbuildable” Buildable in Hurst, Texas

Right off a major highway in Hurst, TX, sat a vacant parcel that no one wanted. It had visibility, location, and traffic — everything you’d expect a retail developer to chase.

But it sat for years.

Why? Because by-right zoning said it couldn’t be built on. The lot was too small to meet the city’s General Business (GB) requirements. Under the normal code, the site just didn’t work: square footage minimums, parking ratios, setback limits — none of it penciled out.

We saw an opportunity in the constraint.

At EDCG, we focus on zoning-constrained infill — the kind of sites most developers ignore. We worked directly with the City of Hurst to pursue a Special Use Permit and Planned Development overlay, creating a custom framework that would allow the site to support new commercial use while aligning with the city’s long-term goals.

Through that process, we secured flexibility on:

• Parking counts

• Landscaping minimums

• Total buildable square footage

• Setbacks and lot coverage limitations

The result: a 4,000 SF small-format retail building designed for adaptability — from general retail or medical office to a quick-service restaurant (QSR) with drive-thru.

One of the biggest challenges? Making the QSR stack length work on a tight infill parcel. Working closely with our site planning team, we were able to structure a layout that met city requirements — and got it approved.

The project is now fully entitled, architecturally coordinated, and civil-engineered — a result of working hand-in-hand with the city to find a creative, code-conscious path forward. Vertical construction is set to begin later this year.

But this isn’t just a one-off. We see this project as a prototype — a repeatable model for unlocking underutilized parcels across DFW and similar metro areas. It’s a proof-of-concept for how zoning strategy and small-format development can work together to bring overlooked sites back to life.

There are thousands of these parcels in cities like Hurst. They don’t need massive investment — they just need the right framework.

That’s what we’re building.

Got a lot that’s been passed over?

We help make constrained sites buildable — through zoning insight, entitlement strategy, and practical execution.

Let’s talk.