To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Alexis Zimmerman, Planner II
Subject:
Title
Consider a request for a variance to the City of Keller Unified Development Code, Article 8, Zoning Districts, Section 8.19 - Old Town Keller (OTK), one monument sign for an existing 1,260 square-foot medical office on 0.17 acres located on the south side of Taylor Street, approximately 85 feet southeast from the Taylor Street and South Main Street intersection, legally described as Lot 2A, Block 11 of Keller, City Addition, zoned Old Town Keller (OTK) and addressed 110 E. Taylor Street. Cary Stillwell, Applicant. JS20 Investments LLC., Owner. (UDC-2507-0010)
Background:
The subject property is located within the Main Street Subdistrict of Old Town Keller (OTK). The sign was originally constructed without an approved permit.
The Design Standards for the OTK Neighborhood Subdistrict states that only one detached sign shall be allowed per business per public street frontage, and that detached signage for single-tenant buildings shall not exceed 15 square-feet in total surface area or 6 feet in height (Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 8.19(7)(c)).
The Applicant is requesting a variance to allow one monument sign that exceeds the UDC guidelines for maximum height and size.
The Applicant originally applied for these variances in July 2025. However, the originally constructed sign was located within the street right-of-way of Taylor Street, which is not a variance that can be requested. The Applicant has since redesigned their plan to relocate the sign within the boundaries of the lot.
Sign Size and Material:
UDC Section 8.19 (7)(c) states that signs must reflect the character of Old Town and may include post and bracket or double-pylon signs using wooden posts or painted metal poles, or monument style signs shall be allowed.
The Applicant proposes a monument sign with a concrete and stone masonry base with wood beams that will match the architectural features of the main building facade.
UDC Section 9.05(D.7) - Table 4 lists the following criteria for detached signs in non-residential zoning districts for single-tenant buildings less than 25,000 square-feet in size:
Max. Sign Size: 15 square-feet
Max. Sign Height: 6 feet
Total detached signs allowed: 1
The Applicant proposes one sign that is 9 feet in height and approximately 56.25 square-feet in size.
Location
UDC Section 8.19 (3)(c)(1) states the following regarding the front setback lines in the OTK zoning district:
The character of Old Town calls for 'Build-to' lines, reducing the setback from the street as much as possible while still accommodating the landscape buffer, sidewalk and necessary easements. This is typically fifteen feet (15'), however it may vary from case-to-case to achieve the build-to scenario.
The proposed site plan shows the monument sign to be located along the front property line of the lot.
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 does not require a public hearing. The public will have an opportunity to speak on this agenda item at the “Persons to Be Heard.”
Alternatives:
The Planning and Zoning Commission has the following options when considering a UDC special exception request:
• Recommend approval as submitted (with requested special exception).
• 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 UDC variance application will be scheduled for City Council action on February 17, 2026.