During a recent city council meeting in Midlothian, Texas, discussions centered on a proposed ordinance for a specific use permit concerning a secondary dwelling unit at Sunshine Place, Phase 2. The applicant seeks permission to construct a secondary home on their property, which would share a septic system with the existing residence.

The proposal has raised several considerations, including the height and size of the new dwelling. The existing home stands approximately 14 feet tall, while the proposed structure could reach up to 19 feet. City ordinances typically require that secondary dwellings not exceed the height of the primary residence. However, the proposed home would be situated 100 feet from the primary house and 250 feet from the property line, making it less visible from neighboring lots.

Additionally, the existing home measures 1,600 square feet, while the new dwelling is planned to be 2,040 square feet, which also exceeds the size limitations set by local regulations. The applicant argues that the existing septic system, designed for the smaller home, would not adequately support the additional square footage, complicating the feasibility of connecting to municipal sewer lines due to their distance from the property.

The city council received feedback from residents, with one letter in favor and one opposed to the project. The opposition expressed concerns about the impact of a new home adjacent to their property. Despite these concerns, both the city’s staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the permit.

The council is expected to deliberate further on this matter, with the assistant city manager tasked to follow up on the community's concerns. The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the consent agenda, passing unanimously.