To: Aaron Rector, City Manager
From: Bobby Tatum Jr., Fire Chief
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a request to approve amendments to the City of Keller Unified Development Code (UDC), adopted by Ordinance No. 1746 dated July 7, 2015, and the City of Keller Code of Ordinances, by amending Article Five - Subdivision Design and Improvement Requirements, relating to regulations for Points of Access; providing penalties; authorizing publication; and establishing an effective date. (UDC-2504-0006).
Body
Action Requested:
Consider an ordinance amending the Keller Unified Development Code, Article Five - Subdivision Design and Improvement Requirements, relating to regulations for Points of Access.
Background:
Currently, the Keller UDC Section 5.03(G) states in part that, “Single points of access, including cul-de-sac streets, may exceed six hundred feet (600’) if a residential fire sprinkler system is provided and a recommendation from the Fire Marshal and approval of the City Council.”
The request is to amend the section to read as follows: “For new dwelling unit developments, single points of access including cul-de-sac streets, may exceed six hundred feet (600’) if a residential fire sprinkler system is provided and a recommendation from the Fire Chief or their designee and approval of City Council.”
Additionally, the following language is requested as an addition to Article 5:
“For existing dwelling unit developments making modifications, single points of access, including cul-de-sac streets, may exceed six hundred feet (600') if a residential fire sprinkler system is provided or an alternative plan is approved by the Fire Chief or their designee which addresses any conditions that pose a distinct hazard to life and property. Factors to consider as an alternative plan may include but are not limited to ensuring safe access and egress for emergency vehicles, adequate distance to the nearest fire hydrant, use of fire-resistant building materials or installation of early detection and notification systems.”
The purpose of amending the current UDC with additional language and modification of the approval process will allow more flexibility for existing homeowners who are increasing the square-footage of their home, as well as new-construction homebuilders. It will also provide for clarification and consistency when reviewing residential construction building plans.
Summary:
Section 2.07(A)(2) of the UDC lists criteria for approval of a variance, the 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:
Fire Department staff initiated the proposed amendments after receiving comments from several residents attempting to remodel/expand their existing homes. Staff has not received any written comments from the public on the proposed UDC Amendments.
Planning and Zoning Commission Action:
At the April 22, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Commissioners unanimously recommended approval of the proposed UDC amendments.
Alternatives:
City Council has the following options when considering an amendment to the text of the UDC:
- Approve as submitted
- Approve with modifications or additional amendments(s)
- Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose
- Deny