To: Mark Hafner, City Manager
From: Julie Smith, Community Development Director
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider an ordinance approving an amendment to the City of Keller Unified Development Code (UDC), adopted by Ordinance No. 1746 dated July 7, 2015, Article Eight -Zoning Districts, Development Standards, Tree Preservation, by providing provisions to permit J-Swing garages in all zoning districts; providing penalties; providing a severability clause; providing a conflicting of ordinances clause; authorizing publication; and establishing an effective date. (UDC-20-0004)
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Background:
Currently, a J-swing garage is only allowed in SF-8.4 and smaller zoning classifications when permitted by a Planned Development district. (A J-swing garage is a design where the drive “swings” 90 degrees in order to enter a garage that is in the front of the house but faces to the side rather than the front and the street.) Because this style reflects a trend in modern architecture, staff is receiving an increasing number of requests to utilize them in other residential zoning districts. Examples of this architecture can be seen throughout the Marshall Ridge development as well as in other Keller subdivisions. In addition to architectural styles, this design also provides more flexibility when developing larger lots that may be irregular in shape or when a homeowner wishes to maximize tree protection by minimizing the width of the home’s footprint. Staff suggests amending Section 8.07 to permit J-swing garages in all residential zoning districts.
Proposed Amendments:
Amend Section 8.07 (C) (1) to permit J-swing garages in all residential zoning districts. (See Exhibit A.)
Citizen Input:
An amendment to the text of the UDC requires a public hearing notice to be published in the local newspaper ten (10) days prior to the scheduled Planning and Zoning Commission meeting date. The notice for the City Council public hearing was published in the July 31, 2020, edition of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
As of July 17, 2020, Staff has not received any letters written in either support or in opposition from the public.
Alternatives:
The City Council has the following options when considering an amendment to the text of the UDC:
- Approve as submitted.
- Approve with modifications or additional amendment(s).
- Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose.
- Deny.
Planning and Zoning Recommendation:
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed amendment on July 28, 2020.