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Commission approves oversized accessory structure at 1460 West Ellendale Avenue
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved Conditional Use Permit 2504 on April 10 to allow a detached, oversized accessory garage on a 1.4‑acre lot at 1460 West Ellendale Avenue with two conditions: required building permits and restriction against commercial uses.
The Dallas Planning Commission unanimously approved Conditional Use Permit 2504 on April 10 to allow an oversized detached accessory garage at 1460 West Ellendale Avenue.
Staff reported the subject parcel is approximately 1.4 acres and that the proposed structure exceeds the standard 15‑foot height limit and the typical 50% width rule for accessory structures, but is permissible through a conditional use permit. "The ordinary height limit is 15 feet. With the conditional use permit, you can go an additional 5 feet in height," Chase, planning staff, explained, noting that height is measured to the average roof height and that the applicant’s plans keep the average within the expanded 20‑foot allowance even though the peak is roughly 22 feet.
Chase said the site’s setbacks, lot coverage and available space make it unlikely the accessory structure would cause negative impacts to neighbors; the record includes written letters of support from adjacent property owners. Staff recommended approval with two conditions: obtaining appropriate building permits and restricting the structure from commercial uses except for lawfully allowed home occupations.
David Sutherland, the applicant, told commissioners he and his wife purchased the property in 2022, described existing outbuildings used for storage, and said he visited with three neighbors who provided written support. “I visited with each of the 3 neighbors on our street … They have no issues with what we're asking for,” Sutherland said. He described the existing parcel as large enough for the proposed structure and said the accessory building would not be visible from West Ellendale because the home sits elevated and set back from the road.
Commissioners asked about measurement of width limits and confirmed there is no explicit numeric cap on additional width in the code; Chase said lot coverage and setbacks would remain compliant given the property size. Following discussion, the commission voted unanimously to approve the permit with the two staff conditions. An order reflecting the decision will be mailed to the applicant and participants of record within 10 business days.
