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Council approves amendment to Planned Development 184, changing garage and lot standards
Summary
Midlothian City Council approved amendments to Planned Development (PD) 184 that change garage orientation and several lot standards for a single-family subdivision; the ordinance passed 4-2 after council debate about garage size, setbacks and streetscape impacts.
Midlothian City Council voted 4-2 on Sept. 23 to approve an amendment to Planned Development District 184 that changes lot and garage standards for a proposed single-family subdivision on about 16.24 acres west of South 14th Street and north of McAlpin Road.
The ordinance reduces the total lot count by one, increases the allowable percentage of front-facing garages from 50% to 65%, removes language allowing “J‑swing” driveways, and revises architectural and garage-size standards including a minimum garage width of 19 feet and a reduction in overall garage floor area by about 150 square feet in some product types.
City planner Mary Elliott told the council the requested changes are consistent with the future land use map (medium density) and surrounding zoning; staff recommended approval. Sam Satterwhite, representing the developer, said the changes were requested to give the builder, identified as John Houston Homes, more product flexibility and that many lots were widened from 80 to 83 feet to accommodate side-entry models. "We are just looking for flexibility," Satterwhite said.
Council members probed design details and asked for a clearer, tabular summary of the ordinance changes. Councilman Ross and others questioned the net effect of increasing front-entry garages while also reducing garage square footage and noted concerns about on-street parking and truck clearance. Councilman Mike Rogers and other supporters noted the 25-foot front setback, from the sidewalk to the front lot line, would still provide deep driveways to accommodate large vehicles and reduce overflow parking on the street.
After discussion, Councilman Alan Mormon moved to approve the amendment "as presented," seconded by Councilman Sheffield. The motion passed 4-2; the meeting record shows the tally but does not list individual roll-call votes by name during the motion.
The ordinance adds specific architectural criteria (roof plate minimum height 9 feet, 8-foot front doors, enhanced garage door headers and single-car garage doors split by a 12-inch column) and clarifies that the subdivision will avoid J-swing driveways, which staff and some council members said reduce on-street circulation and create parking challenges.
Developers and staff agreed most lots will be 83 feet wide on much of the site, though the minimum lot width in the ordinance remains 80 feet. Staff also confirmed sidewalks are in the right-of-way, so the 25-foot front setback will translate into deeper driveway lengths in front of garage doors.
Council members who raised concerns said they could seek future refinements to the ordinance language or ask staff for clearer summary tables so elected officials and the public can more easily see "what was" and "what will be" in proposed amendments. The council approved the PD amendment despite those reservations.
Votes at a glance: the council approved the ordinance amending PD 184 by a 4-2 vote; the meeting transcript reports the motion was made by Councilman Alan Mormon and seconded by Councilman Sheffield, and that the motion carried 4 to 2 in favor.
