Planning commission recommends approval of two guest‑house special‑use permits for David Weekley Homes in Bulverde

The Bulverde Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday recommended approval of two special‑use permits that would allow detached guest houses, often called casitas, at 1032 Sidaway Lane and 1014 Raffidian (Rapidian) Lane in the Corns Brook and Thornbrook neighborhoods.

Commissioners heard from a developer representative who said the casita option is a popular “flex” plan used for aging parents, special‑needs family members and other household uses. The representative, identified in the record as a project manager for David Weekley Homes, said the builder offers several casita configurations and estimated that 10–20% of buyers choose the option in comparable communities. He said the main residences are about 3,414 square feet and the proposed guest houses are about 634 square feet, which the developer said complies with the city’s size limits for accessory dwelling structures.

The city’s staff explained that guest houses are allowed by right on larger R‑1 lots (5 acres or more) but require a special‑use permit in R‑2 zoned neighborhoods like Thornbrook and Corns Brook. Staff and commissioners discussed the ordinance’s intent to allow case‑by‑case approval rather than broadly opening smaller legacy lots to accessory units. Commissioners also flagged tree‑removal and septic system placement as issues to monitor: the record notes a concern about removing a roughly 30‑inch diameter tree and staff said septic permitting and site layout can affect tree preservation decisions.

Commissioners asked about enforcement of resale or rental restrictions referenced in the developer’s sales contracts. The project manager said the purchase agreements state the homes are intended as private residences and also noted that single septic systems can limit short‑term rental feasibility, but he acknowledged limited tools to police private resale or rental behavior after closing.

After questions and brief public comment administrative items, Speaker 2 moved to recommend approval of the 1032 Sidaway Lane special‑use permit and Speaker 1 seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote. The commission then considered an almost identical application for 1014 Raffidian Lane, moved by Speaker 2 and seconded by Speaker 1, and again voted to recommend approval to city council.

The recommendations forward the applications to the Bulverde City Council for final action. The commission indicated it could add conditions related to tree protection or adjusted placement when the council and staff consider site plans and permit details.