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Keller commission backs blanket SUP for counseling offices at 208 S. Main, 5–1
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5–1 to recommend that City Council approve a blanket specific-use permit allowing counseling services to operate in up to five suites (and future similar uses) within the multi-tenant property at 208 S. Main; commissioners debated per-unit vs. blanket approval and parking adequacy.
The Keller Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 11 recommended City Council consider a specific-use permit to allow counseling offices in the multi-tenant building at 208 South Main Street, forwarding the application by a 5–1 vote.
Staff reported the building contains 25 suites and that five suites are currently occupied by counseling services. Under the UDC, counseling is treated as a medical use requiring an SUP in the Old Towne Keller zoning district; staff said the counseling uses occupy roughly 7,706 square feet and that the UDC parking requirement for this application would be 39 spaces while the property currently provides 10 regular parking spaces and one accessible space, relying in part on adjacent public parking on Bates Street.
Applicant Carrie Moon, the property manager, told commissioners the blanket SUP reduces recurring paperwork for dozens of leases and helps the property accommodate longstanding tenants. "This is really a solution that the employee staff came up with, so accolades to them to reduce some paperwork and government bureaucracy," Moon said.
Commissioners debated whether a blanket SUP — allowing counseling across the building by right — or per-unit SUPs would be more appropriate. Commissioner Eric Leist said he supported the uses but preferred per-unit SUPs and recorded the sole vote against the motion on that basis. Supporters argued a blanket SUP would improve access to counseling services in Old Towne Keller.
The motion to recommend approval carried 5–1 and will be forwarded to City Council on Dec. 2.
Why it matters: The blanket SUP could make it administratively easier for counseling providers to operate in Old Towne Keller and expand local access to mental-health services; staff warned commissioners about the parking shortfall and the commission discussed limiting future changes by recommendation if desired.
What happens next: The matter will be included on the Dec. 2 City Council agenda for final action.
