To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Alexis Zimmerman, Planner II
Subject:
Title
Consider a variance request related to maximum main building lot coverage for one lot in the Mays & Sweet Addition, on the property legally described as Lot 20, Block 4 of the Mays & Sweet Addition, being approximately 0.13-acres, located on the west side of College Street, approximately 568 feet southwest from the Keller Parkway and College Street intersection, zoned Single-Family 8,400 square-foot lots or greater (SF-8.4), and addressed as 144 College Street. Frank Atherton, Applicant/Owner. (UDC-2511-0013)
Body
Background:
Mays & Sweet Addition was originally platted in 1913. According to historical aerials, the property has been vacant since at least 2004.
The subject property is approximately 5,700 square feet. Under SF-8.4 zoning, the maximum lot coverage for the main building on a lot is 35%. This limits the maximum building footprint allowed for the main home to 1,995 square feet.
Site Plan
The Applicant has submitted a building permit for staff review that shows a main home of approximately 2,358 square feet (41.4% of the total lot coverage). This includes the primary structure, attached garage, and covered porch areas, which are typically counted when calculating main building lot coverage. The Applicant requests a variance to allow this 363 square-foot infringement rather than require them to redesign their building plans.
The proposed main home otherwise meets all other SF-8.4 zoning standards, including maximum height, setbacks, and minimum dwelling size (UDC requirement is 1,400 square-feet).
Request:
A variance to increase the main building lot coverage to 41.4% in lieu of the 35% requirement in the SF-8.4 zoning district.
Summary:
Section 2.07(A)(2) of the UDC lists criteria for approval of a variance, the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council shall consider the following factors:
a. That there are special circumstances or conditions affecting the land involved such that the strict application of the provisions of this Code would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of his land.
b. That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or injurious to other properties in the area.
c. That the granting of the variance will not have the effect of preventing the orderly subdivision of other lands in the area in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
d. That the granting of the variance will not constitute a violation of any other valid ordinance of the City of Keller.
e. That strict compliance with the regulations, and/or that the purpose of the regulations will be served to a greater extent by the alternative proposal.
Citizen Input:
A UDC variance application does not require a public hearing. The public will have an opportunity to speak on this agenda item during “Persons to Be Heard.”
Alternatives:
The Planning and Zoning Commission has the following options when considering a UDC variance request:
• Recommend approval as submitted.
• 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 Variance Request will be scheduled for City Council action on January 6, 2026.