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Colleyville planners weigh removing 25-foot landscape easement so homeowner can add pool
Summary
A homeowner in the Oak Alley subdivision asked the Planning and Zoning Commission to remove a 25-foot landscape easement that would otherwise prohibit a backyard pool. Commissioners debated fairness, precedent and how many lots would be affected; no final decision was recorded in the work session.
A Colleyville homeowner has asked the Planning and Zoning Commission to remove a 25-foot landscape easement along the eastern boundary of a lot in the Oak Alley subdivision so the owner can install a backyard pool.
The request applies to a single lot that is already developed and occupied. Staff told commissioners the easement was part of the original PUD (Planned Unit Development) negotiations to provide a landscaping buffer between Oak Alley and the adjacent neighborhood to the east. The applicant is not asking to abandon a separate 7.5-foot drainage and utility easement, staff said; the proposed pool edge would sit about 10 feet, 1 inch from the property line under the owner’s plan.
Commissioners spent the most time on two themes: fairness to other homeowners who built under the original PUD rules, and the risk of setting a precedent that could prompt similar amendment requests. Commissioners said the subdivision negotiations had been lengthy and that the 25-foot buffer had been a contentious issue when the PUD was approved. Staff noted that planting in the easement was inspected and remains on the property, and that the city retains enforcement authority to require landscaping even though the homeowner is the steward of the easement area.
Staff estimated only two or three lots in Oak Alley have shallow rear yards where the 25-foot easement meaningfully restricts pool placement. Commissioners urged caution and said any amendment should carry a heavy burden of proof. Several said an island-by-island, case-by-case approach could undermine future PUD negotiations if the city grants after-the-fact changes for individual homeowners.
No formal vote or final action was recorded during the work session. Staff said notices would go out to neighbors and that the case will return for later consideration with any public comments incorporated.
