Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Accessory Structures topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Haslet planning commission recommends denying request to raise allowed accessory structure size
Summary
The Haslet Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend the City Council deny an amendment that would raise the maximum permitted accessory structure from 3,000 to 3,200 square feet after staff research found no price premium for 3,200-square-foot kits.
The Haslet Planning and Zoning Commission on April 29 voted to recommend that the City Council deny an amendment to the Haslet Zoning Ordinance that would increase the maximum allowed accessory structure from 3,000 square feet to 3,200 square feet.
The commission’s decision followed a staff presentation and public hearing in which no members of the public spoke. A staff member told the commission they had contacted multiple kit manufacturers and local builders and found “no evidence” that a 3,200-square-foot kit carried a price premium compared with a 3,000-square-foot kit. The staff member added, “3,000 square foot is very generous as far as an accessory structure.”
Commission discussion reviewed alternatives and current variance processes. Commissioners noted a property owner could still seek a variance under the existing ordinance, but that variances are not guaranteed. The commission’s motion to recommend denial passed after a second; commissioners voted in favor and the motion carried.
Why it matters: The commission’s recommendation will go to the City Council, which must act on the proposed zoning change. If the council follows the commission’s recommendation, the ordinance will remain at the 3,000-square-foot limit; property owners seeking larger accessory structures would continue to seek variances on a case-by-case basis.
Details and background: Staff said the zoning board of adjustment considered a related request on March 17 and that the applicant had argued that standard kit sizes made 3,200 square feet more economical. Staff contacted three kit suppliers and additional local contractors and reported that suppliers routinely produce packages by square footage and did not confirm a premium for 3,200-square-foot kits. Staff also noted the city administrator can authorize a modest percentage allowance (the staff cited a 3,150-square-foot administrative allowance in one example), but said the research provided no basis for changing the ordinance.
Formal action: The commission moved and seconded a motion to recommend denial of the zoning ordinance amendment; the motion passed. The record does not show a roll-call tally of individual yes/no votes. The commission also approved the March 25 meeting minutes earlier in the session.
What’s next: The recommendation will be transmitted to the Haslet City Council for consideration at a future council meeting.
