To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Sarah Hensley, Director of Community Development
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a zoning change request from Single-Family Residential 36,000 square-foot lots (SF-36) to Planned Development - Single-Family Residential 30,000 square-foot lots (SF-30) for 7.2 acres, located approximately 900 feet northwest of the Indian Knoll Trail and Shady Grove Road intersection, legally described as Tracts 1F and 1A02C, Abstract 1209 of the Thomas Peck Survey, zoned Single-Family 36,000 minimum square-foot lots (SF-36), and addressed 8660 Clara Lane and 8733 Indian Knoll Trail. William Solomon, Suma Monde Kapital Partners, Applicant. Cameron-Sqrl. Sanford, LLC, Owner. (ZONE-2505-0006)
Background:
The subject property was annexed into Keller in the late 1960s and automatically zoned Single-Family Residential - 36,000 square-foot lots (SF-36). The lots have never been platted. There are two existing structures that appear to have been on the property for decades that will be removed if this development moves forward.
The Applicant is requesting to rezone the property from SF-36 to Planned Development -Single-Family Residential - 30,000 square-foot lots (PD-SF-30) in order to develop an 8-lot subdivision.
On April 1, 2025, the City Council denied a zoning change request from the Applicant for the same property. That proposal was a straight rezone from SF-36 to SF-30 for eight lots. The Applicant is now proposing a gated eight-lot subdivision with approximately 0.75 acres of open space.
Surrounding Zoning:
North: SF-36
South: SF-36
East: SF-36
West: SF-20 (PD-818 and PD-810)
Current Future Land Use Plan (FLUP) Designation: Low-Density Single Family - 36,000 S.F. lots and above (LD-SF)
The Applicant is also requesting a FLUP Amendment from LD-SF to Medium-Density Single Family - 15,000 to 35,999 S.F. lots (MD-SF). That request is on the agenda as a separate item.
Surrounding Land Uses:
North: LD-SF
South: LD-SF
East: LD-SF
West: High-Density Single Family - 8,000 to 14,999 S.F. lots (HD-SF)
Lots: Exceptions to Base Zoning of SF-30
All proposed lots meet the minimum lot size for SF-30. UDC Section 8.05 requires a lot width of 140’ and lot depth of 200’ for all SF-30 lots.
Request:
Lot 1: Depth of 133.5’
Lot 2: Width of 120’
Lot 3: Width of 138’
All other dimensions and lot coverage proposed in the development standards meet UDC requirements.
Setbacks:
All setbacks meet or exceed SF-30 requirements, including those for lots on cul-de-sacs.
Minimum Dwelling Size:
The Applicant proposes a minimum dwelling unit size of 4,000 square-feet, which exceeds the UDC requirement of 2,400 square-feet for the SF-30 zoning district.
Garages and Architectural Standards:
The development standards state all residential lots shall provide a minimum two-car capacity garage that is either j-swing or side-entry, which meets the requirements of UDC Section 9.02 related to off-street parking in residential districts.
For the home facades, the development standards indicate elevations “shall be of a craftsman style,” with “80% of the facades, exclusive of doors and windows, to be constructed with masonry products such as brick, stone, and stucco. Secondary materials shall be quality materials such as wood, metal, and hardboard.”
Landscaping and Open Space: Exception to UDC Requirements for a PD
The Applicant intends to meet all UDC requirements for landscaping on individual residential lots but proposes only about 10% (0.75 acres) of open space within the Planned Development, to include sidewalks and street landscaping in front of the homes.
UDC Section 8.27(I) requires PDs to “provide 15% of the development in usable open space exclusive of street yard landscaping.”
The Applicant’s proposed open space is shown on the concept plan as a sidewalk/pedestrian walkway along that runs in front of all homes within the PD, with a connection to Clara Lane that loops through a landscaped detention pond area at the southwest corner of the development. All open space areas and sidewalks will be owned and maintained by a mandatory Homeowners Association (HOA).
Screening and Fencing:
The Applicant proposes a 6’ masonry screening wall along Indian Knoll Trail, and internal fencing of wood, iron or tubular metal. Sidewalk and landscaping will be installed adjacent to the screening wall on Indian Knoll Trail.
Drainage and Utilities:
The Applicant has provided preliminary drainage and utility plans. Full civil plans will be required for the subdivision if the PD is approved prior to any construction activity.
Streets:
The Applicant proposes a cul-de-sac with one point of gated access off Indian Knoll Trail to serve all eight lots. The street will be privately owned and maintained by the HOA.
Summary:
Section 4.03 (A) of the UDC states that when considering an amendment to the zoning regulations or zoning change request, the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council shall consider the following factors:
1) Appropriateness of all the uses permitted by the proposed change for the immediate area concerned, and the relationship of the proposed uses to the general area and to the City as a whole.
2) Agreement of the proposed change with any existing or proposed plans for providing streets, water supply, sanitary sewers, and other utilities to the area.
3) The amount of vacant land currently classified for similar development in the City, and any special circumstances that may make a substantial part of such vacant land unavailable for development.
4) The rate at which land in the same zoning classification has recently been developed, particularly in the vicinity of the proposed change.
5) Effect on other areas designated for similar development if the proposed amendment is approved.
6) Conformity with the goals and objectives for future developments within the Future Land Use Plan for the City of Keller.
7) Any other factors which will substantially affect the health, safety, morals or general welfare of the citizens of the City of Keller.
Citizen Input:
On June 12, 2025, the City mailed out 26 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 written support or opposition regarding this request.
Alternatives:
The Planning and Zoning Commission has the following options when considering a Zoning Change:
§ Recommend approval as submitted.
§ Recommend approval with modifications or additional amendment(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 Zoning Change application will be scheduled for City Council action on July 15, 2025.