Angleton planning commission backs rezoning to allow one accessory unit above garage

The Angleton Planning and Zoning Commission voted to forward to city council an ordinance rezoning about 0.36 acres from Single-Family Residential 6.3 to a Two-Family Residential (duplex) district, limited to one principal single-family dwelling and one accessory dwelling unit above the rear garage.

City planning staff described the request as a housekeeping change to accommodate the property owner's financing. Planning staff said the site historically had an accessory apartment above the garage and that the mortgage company asked the owner to consolidate the parcel. Staff recommended the duplex zoning with conditions limiting uses to two units on the single consolidated lot.

The commission heard one written concern from a neighbor who said recent increases in rental properties in the area raised worries about overdensification. Staff said the recommended ordinance ties the site to the two-unit limitation and includes the conditions discussed by commissioners. The plan's future-land-use guidance was cited as consistent with transitional, rental-type uses in that part of town.

Commissioner Townsend moved to find the review criteria met and to adopt the final report, approving the rezoning and forwarding it to city council with two conditions: that permitted uses be limited to one single-family principal structure and one accessory dwelling unit in the rear garage only; and that the owner file a minor subdivision plat to consolidate the tracts into one lot. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The commission's action was a recommendation to city council; the ordinance will be returned to council for final action and formal adoption.

The commission did not take separate action on other potential uses or density increases beyond the staff-recommended limits.