Colleyville Council Approves Variance for 3903 Bowden Hill Lane East to Allow Outdoor Kitchen and Patio

The Colleyville City Council approved a variance on March 11 to permit an accessory outdoor kitchen and patio on a substandard lot at 3903 Bowden Hill Lane East.

Ben Bridal, director of community development, told the council the property is zoned RD (two-family) and, when developed for single-family use, must meet R-20 district dimensional standards. Bridal said the lot does not meet those dimensional requirements. Staff described the lot's existing dimensions as approximately 82 feet by 115 feet and said the variance would allow a lot area of 9,987 square feet, a width of 82 feet and a depth consistent with the site as presented. Bridal said all other requirements for setbacks, lot coverage and impervious surface would be met before a building permit is issued.

City staff said notices were sent to properties within 500 feet and no responses were received. During discussion the city manager suggested the council consider an administrative review path for minor work on nonconforming lots so long as the work does not increase nonconformance; council members agreed this is an issue to review in future code updates. Mayor Bobby Lindabooten moved to approve Resolution R-25-5025 to grant the variances; a council member seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

The resolution states the variance becomes effective immediately upon satisfaction of conditions described in the resolution. Staff recommended approval, and the council accepted the recommendation.

Council members said this situation illustrates broader code considerations and directed staff to review whether an administrative review process would be appropriate for similar cases in the future.