Rowlett council authorizes building permit for nonconforming structure at 6602 Warwick Drive in 4–2 vote

On April 1 the Rowlett City Council authorized issuance of a building permit for a nonconforming structure at 6602 Warwick Drive, allowing construction in a side-yard setback under City Code §77‑908. Council approved the permit by a 4–2 vote after hearing a staff presentation and brief council discussion.

Deputy City Manager Christophe Bauer told the council this is the first application received under the city’s recently amended nonconforming-structure ordinance. He explained the ordinance permits authorization of a building permit when the only nonconformance is a side-yard setback and when the council finds an appropriate hardship. When asked who bears responsibility for verifying code compliance, Bauer said, “The onus would be on staff after authorization of the permit.”

Councilmember Bridal moved to authorize the permit; Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Deb Schindler seconded. The council recorded the motion as carried by a vote of 4 in favor and 2 opposed. The transcript does not list individual yes/no votes by member name for the tally.

The approval allows staff to issue the building permit so long as the structure otherwise complies with applicable building codes and regulations; staff must verify compliance with all codes other than the required side-yard setback prior to permit issuance. The council did not adopt additional conditions on the permit during the meeting.

The item follows a recent ordinance change establishing the authorization path; staff noted this was the first application processed under that revised section of the code.