To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: JP Ducay, Planner I
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a request for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit up to 2,400 square-feet, with variances for size and location on an approximately 2.2-acre tract of land located on the west side of Willis Lane and approximately 2,800 feet northwest of the intersection of North Tarrant Parkway and Willis Lane, being Lot 1, Block A, Saundra Smith Addition, at 1660 Willis Lane (Account# 41563832), and zoned Single-Family Residential-36,000 square-foot lot minimum (SF-36). Janine and Nicholas Stevens, Owner/Applicant. (SUP-19-0014)
Action Requested:
Conduct a public hearing and consider a recommendation for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for an accessory dwelling unit (guest house) proposed to be up to 2,400 square-feet with variances on size and location.
Background:
The property was originally platted and approved by the Community Development Department in 2011. (See Attachment A, Final Plat)
According to City Records, the applicant’s existing main structure was built in 2012 and is listed at 7,350 total square-feet; of which 4,718 square-feet is air-conditioned space. (See Attachment B, GIS Map with Zoning)
The current SUP request is for an accessory dwelling unit up to 2,400 square-feet. The proposed accessory dwelling unit will be one story and will be constructed out of the same materials as the main structure. The Applicant stated that it will be utilized as a guest house for family. (See Attachment C, Application and Narrative, and Attachment D, Proposed Plans.)
Building Size:
UDC Section 8.03 (C.g.2) restricts the maximum square footage of a detached
accessory building to exceed 1,200 square feet unless approved by a SUP. The
Applicant is proposing an accessory dwelling unit up to 2,400 square-feet. Specifically,
the Applicant proposes to build an approximately 2,337 square-foot accessory
dwelling unit - 1,137 square-feet larger than allowed by ordinance.
Building Location:
UDC Section 8.10 (B.1) states that accessory dwelling units shall be constructed behind the main dwelling on a lot with a minimum area of one-and-a-half acres. The proposed location of the accessory dwelling unit on the 2.2-acre lot is directly to the side of the main structure on the south side-yard. A variance would be necessary to allow the accessory dwelling unit to be located to the side of the main dwelling in lieu of being constructed behind the main dwelling as required by City Code.
Surrounding Zoning & Land Uses:
North, South, East: Single-Family Residential Homes, zoned Single-Family
Residential - 36,000 square foot lot minimum (SF-36).
West: Single Family Residential Homes, zoned Single-Family Residential - 20,000
Square-foot lot minimum (SF-20)
Summary:
The applicant has met all requirements of the UDC for this specific use permit
with the exception of the requested variances for the building size and location.
Section 8.02 (F.2.a) of the UDC states that when considering a SUP request and Variance, the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council 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 June 14, 2019, the City mailed out 18 notification letters for this Public Hearing to all property owners within three hundred feet (300’) of the subject property. A public hearing notice sign was posted on the site. As of June 24, 2019, staff has not received any information from the public regarding this SUP and variance application.
The applicant supplied staff with a petition of support signed by adjacent property owners. (See Attachment E, Signatures of Support)
Alternatives:
The Planning and Zoning Commission has the following options when considering a Specific Use Permit:
- Recommend approval as submitted, with requested variances
- Recommend approval with modified or additional requested condition(s)
- Tabling 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 and Variance application will be scheduled for City Council action on July 16, 2019.
Supporting Documents:
- Attachment A: Final Plat
- Attachment B: GIS Map with Zoning
- Attachment C: Application and Narrative
- Attachment D: Proposed Plans
- Attachment E: Signatures of Support