Keller planning commission backs 1,967‑sq‑ft pool house at 2510 Fox Lane, will forward SUP to council

The City of Keller Planning and Zoning Commission on July 22 voted unanimously to recommend approval of a specific use permit for a 1,967‑square‑foot detached pool house at 2510 Fox Lane and will forward the item to the City Council on Aug. 19 for final consideration. The structure is proposed in an SF‑20 zoning district where accessory buildings larger than 1,000 square feet require an SUP.

The commission heard staff present the request and the applicant’s plans. "The UDC restricts accessory buildings in SF‑20 to 1,000 square feet unless approved by an SUP," said Miss Russell, city planning staff, describing the code limits and the two SUP triggers: size (exceeding 1,000 square feet) and height (the proposed average height is 15 feet, 10.7 inches). "The applicant has stated that they have no intention of using the structure as an [accessory dwelling unit]," Russell said, and staff noted the lot does not meet the UDC minimum 1.5‑acre requirement for ADUs.

The applicant’s representative told the commission the design could be lowered to meet the 15‑foot average plate if required. "We could get within that 15 feet. No problem," the representative said. The applicant also confirmed there is no intention to use the pool house as a residence. "No, ma'am. Not at all," the applicant said when asked directly about living in the building.

Staff reported the main home on the lot is about 8,830 square feet and that the combined area of accessory buildings on the lot would remain below 50 percent of the main structure, as required by the UDC. Staff also said the parcel is approximately 0.81 acres and that existing impervious coverage, including the house and driveways, is about 38.5 percent; the UDC allows the main dwelling up to 30% lot coverage and up to 50% for everything combined. Staff emphasized that lot coverage and all permit details will be checked again during building‑permit review.

Commission members raised questions about plumbing, laundry, and whether the layout could be used in the future as a living unit. Commissioners were told accessory structures may include sinks and other amenities but that a full kitchen or stove would classify a structure as an ADU and is restricted by the UDC. Russell explained that code compliance is complaint driven and that enforcement can require inspection or a warrant if necessary: "If this structure was to become a residence or somebody is living there full time and a neighbor complains, then they would have a zoning violation," she said.

Several commissioners said they were satisfied the structure, as presented, matched the house aesthetic and would not be visible from the street. "You've convinced me that in this particular case, I am going to vote to approve," Vice Chair Baker said before the motion to recommend approval was offered and seconded. The commission’s recommendation will be placed on the Aug. 19 City Council agenda.

If Council approves the SUP, staff noted the permit and any conditions would run with the property. The commission and staff reiterated that future conversion to an ADU would be governed by the UDC and would require meeting the ADU lot‑size threshold or separate approvals.

The planning and zoning staff file for this SUP includes site elevations, a grading and drainage plan, and a neighborhood‑communication letter, and staff reported no public opposition letters had been received during the 300‑foot notification period.