Commission recommends rezoning and plat variances to subdivide former church property into four homes

The City of Keller Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 14 unanimously recommended approval of a zoning change from SF-36 to SF-20 and a related final plat with variances for the property formerly occupied by Roanoke Christian Center, which the applicant proposes to subdivide into four single-family lots.

City planner Hensley said the property was annexed into Keller in the late 1980s and automatically zoned SF-36 at that time. The applicant sought SF-20 to subdivide the site (addressed in the meeting as 2257 Florence Road; the transcript also references 2255 in one instance). Hensley said the property’s future land use designation is medium-density single family (15,000 to just under 36,000 square feet), and that the proposed SF-20 zoning matches the land-use plan so no future land use amendment is required. The concept plan sent with the application shows one larger lot of slightly more than 36,000 square feet and three smaller lots ranging roughly from 22,500 to 23,500 square feet.

Because the three smaller lots do not meet SF-20’s 120-foot minimum lot width, the applicant applied for a plat with variances to allow 105-foot widths. Hensley said the corner lot would also be treated as having a 20-foot side setback rather than a second front yard setback (a front yard along the thoroughfare would otherwise require a 60-foot setback). Staff mailed 18 notices on Jan. 2; Hensley reported receiving two emails in support and one email in opposition that was timely (one additional letter of support arrived after 5 p.m. and was not included in the staff report). Several nearby residents spoke in favor of the proposal during the public hearing.

Applicant Kurt Debose of Pentavia Custom Homes presented concept renderings and said the company builds luxury homes in the area; he estimated the proposed homes’ values at roughly $2.5 million to $3 million each. Public commenters who live adjacent to the site said they support redevelopment and cited improved neighborhood appearance and higher appraised values.

Commissioners discussed the parcel’s annexation-era zoning history, conformity with the future land use plan, lot orientation to move driveways away from Florence Road and neighborhood compatibility. Commissioner Last moved to recommend approval of the rezoning; Chairman Paul Alvarado seconded. The commission also voted unanimously to recommend approval of the final plat with variances (motion made by Commissioner Lyce, seconded by Commissioner Eric Forner). Both recommendations will be forwarded to City Council on Feb. 4.