To: Aaron Rector, City Manager
From: Ethan Flanders, Planner I
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider an ordinance approving a Specific Use Permit (SUP), for a 1,245 square-foot detached garage, on 1.23 acres, located on the east side of Dana Drive, approximately 780 feet northeast from the intersection of Dana Drive and Johnson Road, legally described as Lot 1, Block 3 of the Country Place Estates Addition, zoned Single-Family 36,000 square-foot lot size or greater (SF-36) and addressed 704 Dana Drive. Darrell Lowe, Applicant. Dalta Jean VanWaters, Owner. (SUP-2508-0032)
Body
Background:
The applicant is requesting an SUP to construct a 1,245 square foot detached structure. In the SF-36 zoning district, an SUP is required for accessory structures that exceed 1,200 square feet in total size.
There are two SUP triggers for the proposed structure:
1. An SUP to exceed 1,200 square feet in the SF-36 zoning district.
2. An SUP for the height of the structure to exceed an average of 15 feet tall.
Structure Location:
The concept plan submitted by the Applicant indicates that the structure will be located north of the existing driveway.
The Applicant intends to meet all other UDC guidelines and setbacks for the SF-36 zoning district.
Elevations:
The detached garage will match the existing home with vinyl siding and stone. There will be a four-car garage on the first floor, and a media room with a snack bar, restroom, and shower on the second floor. The applicant understands this cannot be used as an ADU and will not install an oven or stovetop in the structure.
Existing Structures:
According to the site plan, the main home is approximately 3,400 square feet. In 2024, the property converted their attached garage into living space, without a permit.
Per the UDC, “A garage with a minimum capacity of two (2) cars shall be constructed on the same lot as the primary dwelling unit. The garage shall be maintained for parking and shall not be converted to living space.”
The detached garage is proposed to meet this requirement.
There are two existing detached accessory structures on the 1.23-acre property:
1. Existing Shed (215 square-feet)
2. Existing Shed (44 square-feet), which will be removed if the SUP request is approved.
The UDC states the combined area of all accessory buildings on a lot shall be less than 50% of the main structure, unless approved by an SUP. If this SUP request is approved, the total square-footage of the accessory structures will be 1,500 square-feet, which is less than 50% of the square-footage of the main home.
Surrounding Land Use Designations:
North: Low-Density Single Family (LD-SF)
East: Low-Density Single Family (LD-SF)
South: Low-Density Single Family (LD-SF)
West: Low-Density Single Family (LD-SF)
SUP Requests:
1. An SUP for a 1,245 detached garage to exceed 1,200 square feet in the SF-36 zoning district.
2. An SUP for the height of the structure to exceed an average of 15 feet tall. The proposed average height is 23 feet and 4 inches.
Summary:
Section 8.02 (F)(2) of the UDC states that when considering a SUP request, the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council 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 September 11, 2025, the City mailed out 22 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 in response to this SUP request.
Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation:
At the September 23, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Commissioners recommended approval of the SUP request by a vote of 7-0.
Alternatives:
The City Council has the following options when considering a Specific Use Permit:
§ Approve as submitted.
§ Approve with modified or additional condition(s).
§ Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose.
§ Deny.