Belton council approves zoning overlay to allow manufactured home at 3630 Brenda Lane after residents speak in favor

The Belton City Council on April 20 approved a zoning change to add a conservation revitalization (CR) overlay for the 0.26-acre property at 3630 Brenda Lane, allowing a manufactured (mobile) home to be placed there if the owner meets building‑permit conditions and utility requirements.

Planning staff told the council the property was rezoned to single-family 3 (SF-3) in January 2022; a manufactured home was placed on the lot without a permit and a stop-work order followed. Planning staff said the CR overlay requires an engineered foundation, skirting and siding that match nearby homes, and roof and eave details to make the structure appear like a site-built house. The overlay also requires a building permit, a site plan to verify setbacks, and utility permits to connect to Dog Ridge Water (meter) or to the city sewer when available.

The matter drew multiple speakers during the public hearing who said the lot is affordable housing stock and that neighbors support the family moving there. Resident JT Hahn said the family bought the lot and sought permits before moving the unit; Jose Gonzales, who lives nearby, said many properties on Brenda Lane have similar mobile homes and that the owner is working to meet code. Property owner Perla Martinez and several neighbors — including Maria Carmen Coronel and Brigillo Carvajal — told the council they want the family to be able to live in the neighborhood and said they had cleaned the lot in preparation for the home.

Council members and staff discussed outstanding infrastructure questions. Planning staff and others said the nearby sewer line is under construction and that a building permit could be issued if the owner meets overlay requirements, but a certificate of occupancy would not be granted until either a septic design is approved or the property can tie into the new sewer. Staff said the sewer construction timeline extends into 2026. Council members also raised the need to improve access to translation services after several Spanish‑speaking residents described difficulty getting information at city offices. Staff committed to follow up on language-access options.

After deliberation, a councilmember moved to approve the zoning change and a second was given. The motion passed unanimously.

City staff said next steps for the property owner include submitting a complete building-permit application, securing any required Dog Ridge Water meter or sewer connections, and completing the engineered foundation and skirting required under the CR overlay before pursuing occupancy.