To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Ethan Flanders, Planner I
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a request for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for a 550 square-foot addition to an existing 775 square-foot accessory structure, on 1.37 acres, located on the north side of Knox Road, approximately 695 feet northwest from the intersection of Knox Road and Ottinger Road, legally described as Lot 1, Block 1 of the Knox-Ahlers Addition, zoned Single-Family 36,000 square-foot lot size or greater (SF-36) and addressed 1611 Knox Road. Danny Ahlers, Applicant/Owner. (SUP-2507-0027)
Body
Background:
The Applicant is requesting an SUP to construct a 550 square-foot addition to an existing 775 square-foot shop. Including the proposed addition, the total size of the structure would be 1,325 square-feet. In the SF-36 zoning district, an SUP is required for accessory structures that exceed 1,200 square feet in total size.
There are three SUP triggers for this proposal:
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.
3. An SUP to allow the total square-footage of all accessory structures on the property to exceed 50% of the square-footage of the existing home.
Structure Location:
The concept plan submitted by the Applicant indicates that the structure will be an extension of the existing shop located in the northwestern corner of the property.
Elevations:
The proposed structure is a 550 square-foot extension of an existing 775 square-foot shop (1,325 square feet total). The average height of the structure will be 17 feet and 6 inches. The structure will be composed of metal roofing and siding.
Existing Structures:
According to the Tarrant Appraisal District, the main home is approximately 1,565 square-feet.
There are three existing detached accessory structures on the 1.3-acre property:
1. Existing Shop (775 square-feet)
2. Treehouse (80 square-feet)
3. Greenhouse (120 square-feet)
The UDC limits the number of accessory structures on a single-family lot to two. This maximum does not apply to structures designed solely for agricultural purposes and measuring 120 square feet or less. Because the greenhouse is used for agricultural purposes, there are only two accessory structures on the property that count towards the maximum.
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 structure will be 1,325 square-feet, which is more 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)
The subject property is zoned SF-36 and designated Low-Density Single Family (LD-SF) on the city’s Future Land Use Plan (FLUP).
SUP Requests:
1. An SUP for a 1,325 square-foot accessory structure 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 17 feet, and 6 inches.
3. An SUP to allow the total square-footage of all accessory structures on the property to exceed 50% of the square-footage of the existing home.
Summary:
Section 8.02 (F)(2)(a) of the UDC states that when considering a SUP request, the Planning and Zoning Commission 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 July 31, 2025, the City mailed out 17 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 5 letters, representing 6 addresses opposed to this request. Total percentage of opposition from within 200’ buffer is 36%
Alternatives:
The Planning and Zoning Commission has the following options when considering a Specific Use Permit:
§ Recommend approval as submitted.
§ 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 Specific Use Permit application will be scheduled for City Council action on September 2, 2025.