Gunter zoning board denies parking-material variance, gives owner three months to meet code

The City of Gunter Zoning Board of Adjustment on March 20 denied a variance request over off‑street parking material and configuration for a commercially reused house at 106 West Main Street and gave the property owner three months to bring the site into compliance with the city’s off‑street parking and loading requirements.

The board heard from planning staff that the property was converted from a single‑family house to a commercial use and later expanded a nonconforming gravel/grass drive into a wider area surfaced in chip seal — a material the city’s code does not permit for new or expanded commercial parking. Planning staff told the board the city’s zoning and subdivision ordinances require an approved paving surface and that variances are permitted only under narrow criteria.

Cody Paxton, who identified himself at the hearing as the property owner and applicant, told the board he was willing to install concrete if the geometry and setbacks could be made to work. Paxton said he had been working with staff and had a contractor bid but lacked a final plan. Planning staff answered that cost alone is not a legal hardship and emphasized that the zoning code requires concrete or other approved paving for new or expanded commercial parking.

After discussion the board made a motion to deny the variance while setting a deadline for the owner to complete the work. An amended motion giving the owner three months to submit plans and construct off‑street parking that meets the city’s off‑street parking and loading requirements carried on a 4‑0 vote.

The board and staff noted additional site issues that may remain after resurfacing, including lot lines that create a substandard 50‑foot frontage for some replatted lots, shared‑access easements that would be needed for some parking to cross lot lines, and potential TxDOT driveway permit requirements because the driveway connects to a state road. Planning staff said those subdivision and driveway permitting matters may require separate approvals and that the owner must work with the city to finalize any replat and obtain any required TxDOT permits.

The board’s action denies a permanent variance for the unapproved chip‑seal surface but allows the owner time to bring the property into compliance; if the owner cannot resolve geometric constraints the matter will return to the board for further action.