ZBA clears variance for 706 Bethlehem to split lot into five despite drainage concern

The Terrell Zoning Board of Adjustments unanimously approved variance VR25-02 on June 2, allowing the lot at 706 Bethlehem to be replatted into five lots, four of which would have lot widths of 72 feet each.

City planning staff presented the Patel application and recommended approval. Staff told the board the lot-size rules for the single-family 7.5 zoning require a minimum lot area of 7,500 square feet and a minimum lot width of 75 feet; the applicant proposed four lots below that width and one at 76.15 feet.

“Presenting case variance case 25Dash02. Applicant, mister Patel. This location is 706 Bethlehem in the city of city of Terrell. The applicant is requesting the variance from section 18.4 dash 8 a 0.2 of the city zoning ordinance,” the city planner said. “This 1, the staff also recommends to grant, the variance.”

A written opposition regarding grading and drainage from Rebecca Womack was noted in the file. The board asked whether drainage concerns would be addressed; city staff responded that grading and drainage plans are reviewed by engineering and the building department at plan submittal and that the lots “can't create more of a watershed to cause issues for neighbors.” The planner added that drainage will be addressed at the time of building permits.

After discussion the board voted to approve VR25-02; the transcript records an approving vote and the chair’s statement that the motion to approve was approved.

The approval allows the owner to replat 706 Bethlehem as proposed but does not replace required engineering or building reviews; city staff said drainage and grading will be handled through permitting and engineering review.