Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Rezoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves rezoning of 3300 Brown Trail to R‑7,500 after debate over scale and PUD option
Summary
The Bedford City Council voted 5‑2 June 24 to rezone 3300 Brown Trail from R‑15,000 to R‑7,500, clearing the way to split the roughly 20,000‑square‑foot lot into two single‑family parcels.
The Bedford City Council voted 5‑2 on June 24 to rezone the property commonly known as 3300 Brown Trail from R‑15,000 (minimum 15,000 square‑foot lots) to R‑7,500 (minimum 7,500 square‑foot lots), allowing the owner to divide the roughly 20,000‑square‑foot parcel into two single‑family lots.
Development Director Wes Morrison told council the lot originally held a city pump station and that the city retained an access/utility easement to preserve access to a storm siren on the northeast corner of the parcel; that easement must be shown on any future replat and will remain in place. Morrison said the rezoning request complies with the future‑land‑use map (suburban neighborhood density) and that Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 7‑0 vote.
At the council meeting the applicant, Luis Perez of Nova Design Group, said his client (Moriah Homes LLC) intends to build two single‑story houses and that financial comparables support single‑story construction. Perez said he and the developer declined the commission’s suggestion to pursue a planned unit development (PUD) because it would require more time and additional investment from the owner. Perez presented examples of single‑story houses his team has built and said the proposed designs will aim for variation and compatibility with the neighborhood.
Several councilmembers expressed concern about scale and compatibility with surrounding single‑story homes, and about protecting the storm‑siren easement and sightlines. Councilmember Sable and others said a PUD could provide design standards and give the city greater leverage to ensure compatibility; staff noted the city is working on a zoning ordinance rewrite that will include design and infill standards but that those new standards are not yet adopted and cannot be imposed on a straight‑zone application.
Councilmember Farco moved to approve the rezoning; Councilmember Steeves seconded. The motion passed 5‑2. Staff said the developer could proceed with platting and permitting under current regulations; the replat will be required to note the storm‑siren access easement. Council discussion noted that if the property were sold after rezoning the new owner would not be bound by tonight’s applicant statements about single‑story design.
The approved rezoning changes minimum lot size and dwelling‑size limits that apply under R‑7,500 versus R‑15,000; staff said dwelling minimums for R‑15 are 2,000 square feet and 1,350 square feet for R‑7,500. Council closed the public hearing before voting.
