Commission backs Mountain Blue planned development with conditions; applicants asked to meet neighbors

The Keller Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 28 unanimously recommended approval of a planned-development zoning change that would replat five existing lots into one approximately 10.6-acre single-family lot under a Planned Development (PD) with SF-36 base standards for a project called Mountain Blue.

Staff described the PD as a single-family design for one primary residence with detached accessory structures (gymnasium, gatehouse with integrated covered parking, detached clubhouse/guest spaces and associated screening). The applicant proposed allowing five accessory structures, a maximum lot coverage of 30% for the primary structure and 50% including accessory structures, and privacy screening with masonry walls up to 10 feet along most boundaries and up to 12 feet at the gatehouse. Staff reported 5 letters of opposition and one email representing eight properties in support; the notification area produced a super-majority buffer of about 38 percent, which would require a 6-of-7 supermajority vote if council receives a super-majority opposition petition.

Neighbors who spoke at the public hearing raised concerns about fence height and materials, potential nighttime lighting for a private sports field and impacts to existing agricultural uses (including livestock). Several neighbors asked for clearer, enforceable written descriptions of the proposed screening and for a neighborhood meeting. Applicant representatives said they had revised the plan since an earlier submittal (removing a guest house and reducing a large front carport) and said the taller wall sections were motivated primarily by security concerns; they also said the owner had agreed not to propose field lighting at this time.

Commission discussion focused on the wording and location of screening and the need for a photometric plan if lighting were proposed later. Several commissioners urged the applicant to meet with immediate neighbors before council and asked staff to clarify language in the PD that specifies distances from right-of-way, property line and planting requirements. The commission’s recommendation included direction that staff and the applicant clarify the wall/screening wording and distances for the council packet. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to council for consideration on Feb. 18.

Votes at a glance: The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Mountain Blue planned development application; the motion carried with conditions that staff and applicant clarify fence/screening language and encourage applicant-neighbor meetings before the council hearing.