The Keller Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 25 recommended denial of a special use permit (SUP) and variance for a proposed 4,800-square-foot accessory structure at 7230 Shady Grove.

Staff told commissioners the accessory building would be used to store automobiles, livestock feed and agricultural equipment and triggers three SUP requirements: exceeding 1,200 square feet in the SF-36 district, an average height above 15 feet (staff said the proposed average would be 21 feet), and accessory structures on the lot exceeding 50% of the square footage of the main home. The applicant also sought a variance to allow more than two accessory structures on the lot (staff reported the property already contains five structures). The application was scheduled to be forwarded to City Council on Dec. 16 with the commission's recommendation.

Neighbors raised concerns at the public hearing about the building's appearance, location and activity on the site. Frank Dale, who said he lives at 7220 Shady Grove and wrote the late opposition letter, told the commission he observed many vehicles on the property, alleged vehicle sales and night-time noise, and asked where the new building would be sited. Didier Molierez, who said the lot adjacent to the subject property is his future build site, said a tall metal building would reduce his lot's value and view.

Multiple commissioners said they could not support the SUP because the applicant was not present to answer substantive questions. Commissioners asked staff to verify the late letter of opposition, confirm parcel boundaries (site is a single 6.4-acre lot of record, staff said), and determine whether current vehicle activity constituted a home-occupation or sales. Staff said compliance records showed no complaints on that property since 2014 but committed to relay the commission's questions to the applicant before council.

After discussion, Commissioner Ross Brensinger moved to deny the request; Commissioner Schlegel seconded the motion. The commission's recommendation to deny passed 6–0 and will be included in the Dec. 16 City Council agenda for final action.

The commission's discussion focused on the absence of the applicant, unresolved factual questions about on-site vehicle activity and the proposed structure's scale and visibility from neighboring high-value properties. The staff report, site plan and all verified public comments will accompany the item to council on Dec. 16.