A significant zoning decision unfolded at the Wylie Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on March 17, 2025, as the board moved to approve a variance request for a new construction project at 1305 Stongland Drive. The proposal, which seeks to allow a side setback of 7 feet 3 inches instead of the required 10 feet, garnered support from neighboring residents, with four out of 19 notices mailed in favor and none in opposition.
The board noted that while the Braddock Place Homeowners Association (HOA) had yet to provide formal approval, the absence of opposition from nearby homeowners, particularly the next-door neighbor, played a crucial role in their decision-making process. "We usually like to have the HOA approval first... but in this particular case, we went ahead and moved forward," a board member stated, highlighting the importance of community sentiment in zoning matters.
The applicant's proposal includes a structure that will not feature windows on the side facing the neighbor, addressing potential privacy concerns. The board emphasized that even with city approval, the HOA retains the authority to deny the project, underscoring the dual approval process required for developments within HOA jurisdictions.
As the board concluded the discussion, they unanimously voted to approve the variance, paving the way for the construction to proceed, pending HOA approval and necessary building permits. This decision reflects a growing trend in Wylie, where similar variances have been granted in the neighborhood, indicating a willingness to accommodate development while considering community input.