To: Aaron Rector, City Manater
From: Sarah Hensley, Director of Development Services
Subject:
Title
Consider a resolution approving 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 a new proposed restaurant site on 0.69 acres located at the southeast corner of the Keller Parkway and South Elm Street intersection, legally described as Lot 2R, Block A of the Elm Keller Parkway Addition and addressed 200 South Keller Parkway. Tommy Zheng, Applicant. SCI Texas Funeral Services, Inc., Owner. (UDC-2505-0007)
Background:
The Applicant intends to construct a new 7,160 square-foot restaurant in Old Town Keller (OTK) on the lot located at the southeast corner of the Keller Parkway and South Elm Street intersection. The subject property is located within the Main Street Subdistrict of OTK.
The Design Standards for the OTK Main Street Subdistrict state “Unless located in the OTK Monument Sign Overlay District, monument signs are not permitted in OTK (Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 8.19(5)(e). The OTK Monument Sign Overlay District was established by City Council in 2022 but only applies to properties north of Keller Parkway.
The Applicant is requesting a variance to allow one monument sign at the northwest corner of the subject property. Since the request was considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 27, 2025, the Applicant reduced the size of the sign so that it meets UDC guidelines for maximum height and size.
Sign Size and Material:
The Applicant proposes a double-sided brick sign with cap that will match the colors and materials of the restaurant building. The sign features push-thru cabinet with halo illuminated letters for the restaurant name.
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: 60 square-feet
Max. Sign Height: 6 feet
Total detached signs allowed: 1
The Applicant proposes one sign that is six feet in height and approximately 48 square-feet in size.
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.”
Planning and Zoning Recommendation:
At the May 27, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, Commissioners unanimously recommended approval of the site plan with the condition that the size be reduced to follow UDC guidelines.
Alternatives:
The City Council has the following options when considering a Site Plan with variances:
• Approve as submitted (with requested variances).
• Approve with modified or additional condition(s).
• Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose.
• Deny.