Planning panel recommends reducing interior setbacks at Deer Creek motor-coach resort

The Grayson County Planning Commission on Nov. 18 recommended approval of a special-use-permit amendment filed by Deer Creek Motor Coach Homeowners Association that would reduce interior side setbacks for individually owned lots within the Deer Creek resort from 10 feet to 0 feet.

Miss White, a county planning staff member, told commissioners the amendment (application 20250443) is intended to "bring the existing built conditions into compliance" after many owners added outdoor improvements over time. "My recommendation to the planning commission is approval of the special use permit amendment with conditions," she said, adding that building and fire codes will continue to govern minimum separation and safety requirements and that all improvements must obtain required county permits and inspections.

The change would not alter the resort’s use or density, according to staff. The property identified in the staff report is listed as 2524 Edmonds Road and was originally approved under a 2007 special-use permit as a planned unit development for premium motor coaches. Staff said many lots already host roughly 150-square-foot accessory buildings and outdoor kitchens or pergolas, and some existing features encroach within the 10-foot interior setback.

Commissioners pressed staff on potential neighbor impacts, chiefly drainage and roof run-off. An unidentified commissioner said of reducing interior setbacks, "I could see a lot of trouble coming," citing concerns that gutters or rooflines could redirect stormwater onto adjacent lots. Miss White said the homeowners association could be required to maintain responsible drainage between properties and noted that residential construction standards generally require positive drainage away from foundations.

The commission also discussed fire separation requirements. Staff explained that the building code commonly uses a five-foot fire-separation guideline and that life-safety requirements are enforced by the county building official; the special-use amendment would rely on those codes rather than attempt to re-create fire-code standards in the land-use condition.

There was limited public testimony. Lonnie C. Andrews was called during the public hearing but left before speaking, and no sustained public comments were recorded.

After closing the hearing, Miss White moved to recommend approval of the amendment with two conditions: that all existing and future structures comply with applicable building and fire codes, and that all improvements obtain required county permits and inspections. The motion was seconded and received recorded aye votes from Mister Waltz and Mister Boyer; the motion carried as a recommendation from the Planning Commission. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Grayson County Board of Supervisors for final action.

The commission adjourned following the vote.