To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Alexis Russell, Planner I
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a request for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for an approximately 2,668 square-foot horse barn with an average height of 16 feet, on approximately 2.94 acres, on the east side of Florence Road, approximately 1,905 feet southeast from the Florence Road and Ottinger Road, legally described as Lot 1, Block 1R of Chatham Addition-Keller, zoned Single-Family 36,000 square-foot lot size or greater (SF-36) and addressed 1753 Florence Road. Wes Barnhart, Owner. MNC Builders, Applicant. (SUP-2412-0019)
BODY
Background:
The property was platted in December 2013. The main home was built in 2014.
In May 2013, City Council approved SUP-13-0002 for a 1,440 square-foot accessory structure (barn) with an average height of 19 feet 6 inches. In 2024, the Applicant removed this structure with the intent of constructing a new building with a larger footprint and lower overall height.
The Applicant requests a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to construct an approximately 2,668 square-foot barn for the care and feeding of the property owner’s privately owned horses. The Applicant proposes to use this barn for agricultural purposes only.
There are three SUP triggers for this proposed structure:
1. An SUP for exceeding 1,200 square-feet for any accessory structure in the SF-36 zoning district.
2. An SUP to allow the maximum height of the accessory structure to exceed an average of 15 feet.
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.
Site Design:
The proposed site plan calls for the structure to sit behind the existing home, approximately 38 feet 6 inches north of the south property line and 46 feet west of the east property line, which will conform to all setbacks of the SF-36 zoning district.
UDC Section 8.04 (2)(g)(2) restricts the maximum square footage of a detached accessory building in SF-36 to 1,200 square feet unless approved by a SUP. The Applicant is requesting a 2,668 square-foot structure.
• Proposed Barn: 36x48 (1,728 square-feet)
• Proposed Covered Patios: 10x46 and 10x48 (940 square-feet)
According to the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD), the main home on the property is approximately 3,447 square-feet. The square-footage of the proposed barn is more than 50% of the main structure. There are no other accessory structures on the property.
Building Design:
Floor plans submitted by the Applicant show three horse stables, a tack room and wash bay, and other areas for horse care.
UDC Section 9.11 (M) states that the property owner's privately owned horses, mules, donkeys and ponies shall not have a maximum number allowed on their property. The boarding or keeping of horses other than the owners shall be a maximum of one horse, mule, donkey or pony per acre, not to exceed a total number of three.
Elevations:
The proposed structure will be complementary to the main structure, constructed of primarily metal, with finishes to appear like wood and brick.
The average height of the structure will be 15 feet 9 inches, measured from the average of the lowest and highest points of the roof. The building will have 12-foot walls with a ridge height of approximately 19 feet 6 inches.
Summary:
Section 8.02 (F)(2) 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 January 2, 2025, the City mailed out 18 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 letters of support or opposition in response to this SUP request.
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 February 4, 2025.