To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Alexis Russell, Planner I
Subject:
...Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a request for Specific Use Permit (SUP) for an 800 square-foot detached carport, on 2.96 acres, located on the east side of Norma Lane, approximately 185 feet from the intersection of Norma Lane and Johnson Road, legally described as Lot 2A, Block 2 of Harvels Addition, zoned Single-Family 36,000 square-foot lot size or greater (SF-36) and addressed 608 Norma Lane. Brian Morovitz, Owner/Applicant. (SUP-2501-0006)
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Background:
The Applicant is requesting an SUP for an 800 square-foot carport to store their RV.
In all residential zoning districts, an SUP is required for a detached carport.
There are two SUP triggers for this proposed structure:
1. An SUP for a detached carport in the SF-36 zoning district
2. An SUP to allow the total square-footage of all accessory structures on the property to exceed 50% of the square-footage of the existing home.
The Applicant is also requesting a variance to allow for three accessory structures on the property.
Carport Location:
UDC Section 9.01(A)(1)(f) states that detached carports shall be located at the rear of the property and observe all building setback requirements.
The carport will be located approximately 60 feet from the south (side) property line and 90 feet from the west (front) property line, which will conform to all setback requirements of the SF-36 zoning district.
Elevations:
The covered area of the carport is 20’ wide and 40’ deep (800 square feet total). The average height will be 13 feet. The carport will be constructed of metal support beams and a metal roof.
Existing structures:
According to the Applciant and the Tarrant Appraisal District, the main home was built in 1969 and is approximately 2,751 square-feet.
There are two existing structures on the 2.96-acre property:
1. Detached barn (approximately 1,400 square-feet)
2. Detached shed (approximately 264 square-feet)
The UDC limits the number of accessory structures per single-family lot to two. The Applicant is requesting a variance to allow for a third structure on the property (the carport).
The UDC also states that the combined area of all accessory buildings on a lot shall be less than 50% of the main structure, unless approved by a SUP. If this SUP request is approved, the total square-footage of all accessory structures on the property will be 2,464 square-feet, which is more than 50% of the square-footage of the main home.
Summary:
Section 8.02 (F)(2) of the UDC states that when considering a SUP request, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider the following factors:
1) The use is harmonious and compatible with surrounding existing uses or proposed uses;
2) The activities requested by the applicant are normally associated with the permitted uses in the base district;
3) The nature of the use is reasonable and appropriate in the immediate area;
4) Any negative impact on the surrounding area has been mitigated; and
5) That any additional conditions specified ensure that the intent of the district purposes are being upheld.
Citizen Input:
On February 13, 2025, the City mailed out 31 letters of notification for this Public Hearing to all property owners within three-hundred feet (300’) of the subject site. A public hearing notice sign was posted on the site.
Staff has received no letters of support or opposition from neighboring properties.
Alternatives:
The Planning and Zoning Commission has the following options when considering a Specific Use Permit with variances:
§ Recommend approval as submitted (with one variance).
§ Recommend approval with modified or additional condition(s).
§ Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose.
§ Recommend denial.
City Council Action:
If the Planning and Zoning Commission takes action and makes a recommendation on this agenda item, then this Specific Use Permit application will be scheduled for City Council action on March 18, 2025.