Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission recommends R7 rezoning for Bolivar/Taliaferro lot to allow four duplex buildings
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5–1 to recommend rezoning about 0.74 acres at Bolivar and Taliaferro from Residential‑3 to Residential‑7, clearing the way for up to four duplex buildings (eight units). Neighbors cited parking, traffic and tree‑canopy concerns; applicant said the concept preserves most trees and meets parking standards.
The City of Denton Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 14 recommended approval of a rezoning that would allow duplexes on a roughly 0.74‑acre lot at the northeast corner of Bolivar and Taliaferro streets.
Bryce Van Arsdale, assistant planner, told the commission the request (case Z25‑18) would change the property from Residential‑3 (R3) to Residential‑7 (R7). He said staff finds the request consistent with the Denton 2040 comprehensive plan goals and with the development pattern in the immediate area, and recommended approval.
Applicant Amy Bissett said the concept plan shows four duplex buildings—a maximum of eight units on the site—and noted the design includes four off‑street parking spaces per lot. "There's no way to get more than 4 duplex buildings on this site, which would be a total of 8 units here," Bissett said, adding the team used Denton Development Code standards for parking, landscaping and buffering.
Several nearby residents urged denial. Denise Galeta told commissioners she "respectfully oppose[d] the rezoning request," saying the change would be out of character for the long‑established, low‑density neighborhood and would worsen parking and traffic on narrow streets. Sam Bunn, who lives next to the parcel, said he was worried about privacy and about "16 cars pointed at my house now" if the plan were built as presented.
Commissioners pressed both staff and the applicant on parking, building orientation, and potential unit sizes. The applicant said preliminary plans would preserve 14 of the site's 21 trees and that the concept anticipates four off‑street spaces per duplex lot; a trip‑generation table in the materials estimated about 58 vehicle trips per day with small peak‑hour volumes.
Chair moved approval of the staff‑recommended R7 zoning; after discussion about balancing infill and neighborhood impacts, the motion passed 5–1. The commission's recommendation now goes to the City Council for a final decision.
Votes at a glance: Z25‑18 (R3→R7) — recommendation to City Council: approved 5–1.
What happens next: If the City Council adopts the rezoning, the property owner or developer will return with site‑level plans, which must meet Denton Development Code standards for parking, landscaping, tree preservation and any required traffic‑impact mitigation.
