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Board of Adjustment denies height exception for Bison Trail lot
Summary
The Lago Vista Board of Adjustment denied a special exception request from LTX Holdings Inc. to exceed the city's height limit for a single-family home at 21413 Bison Trail after neighbors spoke in opposition and the board concluded a compliant home could be built without the variance.
The Lago Vista Board of Adjustment on Sept. 8 denied a special exception request from LTX Holdings Inc. to exceed the maximum height limits in Chapter 14 of the city code for a proposed single-family home at 21413 Bison Trail (Lot 12401, Bar K Ranch, Plat 12).
The board opened the public hearing after staff confirmed the legal description on notices was correct and city attorney Brad Bullock advised the item could proceed despite a typographical address error in the packet. Bullock said the legal description put the public on notice and recommended proceeding with the hearing.
Neighbors who spoke at the hearing said the proposed higher structure would look down into private spaces and could harm resale value. Resident Steve Colwell told the board, “they'd be looking right down into our master through our master bedroom, master bathroom windows,” and said the house would “tower over my house.” Another resident stated the neighborhood had submitted multiple returns indicating opposition and that at least nine responses had been provided across repeated mailings.
Board member Erin moved to deny the special exception and amended her motion during debate, saying there was “no demonstrated reason why a home could not be built on this empty lot that would meet the zoning requirements.” The motion was seconded by board member Rich and carried; the board recorded the motion as a denial.
Staff presentation noted the application was initially received Jan. 1, 2025, and delayed because of prior insufficient notices; staff also said the application appears complete and that the city’s neutral role in variance matters means staff made no recommendation for approval or denial.
Because the request concerned an existing zoning standard, the board emphasized it was appropriate to require findings. Board members cited neighboring homeowners’ privacy and resale concerns as part of the public record supporting denial. The board closed the public hearing and denied the special exception request.
The board did not adopt any alternate directions or remands for additional information; the denial ends the request unless the applicant resubmits.
Votes at a glance: motion to deny (23-2785-SP-E) — mover: Erin; second: Rich; outcome: denied (motion carried).
Proper names mentioned in the hearing include LTX Holdings Incorporated; Bar K Ranch (Plat 12); Brad Bullock (city attorney); City Manager West; and resident Steve Colwell.
The board indicated the legal description and notice process will be reviewed for accuracy when similar items return to ensure public notice requirements are met.
