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Commission recommends approval of lot‑coverage variance for Old Town spec home at 144 College St.
Summary
By a 6–1 vote, Keller’s Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of a variance allowing a main building lot coverage of about 41.4% (vs. 35% allowed) for a proposed spec home at 144 College St.; staff said total lot coverage would remain under the 50% limit and the case goes to City Council on Jan. 6, 2026.
The Keller Planning & Zoning Commission voted 6–1 to recommend approval of a variance for a proposed spec home at 144 College St. that would increase main‑building lot coverage to approximately 41.4% in lieu of the 35% allowed in the SF‑8.4 zoning district.
Staff (Miss Zimmerman) explained the Maze and Suite Addition is an older plat (originally dated c. 1913) and that the subject lot is approximately 5,700 square feet; under SF‑8.4 rules the maximum main building footprint would be approximately 1,995 square feet but the submitted permit shows a proposed main home of about 2,358 square feet (SEG 1616–1625).
Staff also noted that while the main building coverage would exceed the 35% limit, the project’s total lot coverage (building plus driveways, etc.) would remain within the 50% maximum allowed; the staff slide included a breakdown showing proposed total coverage of 2,841 sq ft against a 2,850 sq ft allowance (SEG 1741–1746). The applicant, Frank Atherton, said the home is being built as a spec house with an estimated price point of about $600,000–$650,000 and that the design is intended to fit the neighborhood (SEG 1769–1776).
Commission discussion addressed neighborhood precedent, adjacent lot sizes and appraisal impacts; Chair Baker also noted earlier his experience on an appraisal review board and cautioned that assessments can be inconsistent in how they value land versus building improvements. The commission moved and seconded to recommend approval; the motion passed 6–1. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council on Jan. 6, 2026 for final action.
Authority and next steps: The commission evaluated the request under the UDC variance criteria and will forward a recommendation to council. Staff and applicant will provide materials for the council packet.
