The Haslet Planning and Zoning Commission voted on Oct. 29, 2024 to recommend that City Council approve an amendment to the city's zoning ordinance that clarifies the table of accessory uses and adds or revises specific permissions for storm shelters, detached garages, storage sheds and electric-vehicle (EV) chargers.

City staff presenter Mister Schwanke told commissioners the packet condensed and clarified the accessory-use chart and that "the feeling in this commission was that storm shelters should be allowed everywhere in all in all the different districts." He said the proposal also corrects instances where an accessory structure was mistakenly labeled a primary dwelling and restores permission for detached residential garages in the Old Town core so residents with existing backyard pads could apply for a garage permit.

During the public hearing, Sandra Smith, a longtime Old Town resident (300 Gamble/Damel Street), asked what materials are allowed for "outdoor structures" and warned about visual impacts: "I'd hate to see a huge metal building going behind my house." She also raised concerns about nearby vacant lots and asked commissioners to enforce standards. Mr. Schwanke replied that state law has limited municipal control over construction materials and that the ordinance packet includes the size and material details for reference.

Commission discussion included EV-charger placement. Staff said chargers had been allowed in commercial districts but the ordinance lacked a clear residential/commercial definition; commissioners debated whether chargers should be confined to garages or allowed adjacent to driveways and noted homeowners associations may regulate aesthetics. One commissioner asked to explicitly permit residential chargers in Old Town; staff said that can be added.

After closing the public hearing, Unidentified Speaker 1 moved to recommend approval of the accessory-use amendment (with the inclusion of permitting electric-vehicle charging stations in Old Town); the motion was seconded and recorded by the chair as accepted. The chair announced the vote as in favor; exact roll-call tallies were not specified in the record.

The commission's recommendation advances the amendment to the City Council, which will have the final decision and any opportunity for additional public input or edits before adoption.