Irving commission backs variances for historic bungalow at 309 S. O'Connor Road, 6–3

The Irving Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 3 recommended that City Council approve variances permitting limited commercial use and preservation-focused repairs at a historic residence at 309 South O'Connor Road.

Christina Winters, the Irving resident and applicant, told the commission she plans to use two rooms of the early-20th-century bungalow as an office for a consulting business called the Revolution of Achievement while preserving the house’s historic character. “I plan on repainting the outside,” Winters said, adding she expects to invest roughly $300,000 in restoration and landscaping and that the remainder of the home would continue to appear residential.

Supporters from the Irving Heritage Society said they favor reuse that protects historic features. Sharon Barbosa Crane, speaking for local heritage advocates, said informal conversations found “no opposition” and that careful, repair-focused work would benefit the Heritage District.

Commissioners focused on two recurring concerns: parking and whether the applicant demonstrated a hardship that would justify a variance. Staff wrote that there was “no unnecessary hardship” in the case, but the building official told the commission that building inspections would work with the applicant if the use remained low intensity and employed only a small number of people. Commissioners also raised ADA access and the possibility that an on-site accessible parking space could alter available space. Some commissioners argued the applicant could avoid the variance by residing at the property, which would not trigger the same parking rules.

After deliberation and an unsuccessful motion to recommend denial, the commission voted 6–3 to forward a recommendation of approval to City Council with the requested variances (including a reduction from the typical parking requirement to two spaces and retention of historic driveway materials with limits on intensity of commercial use). The commission record notes the approval is a recommendation; City Council retains final authority.

Next steps: The case will proceed to the Irving City Council for a final decision. The commission’s action does not itself change zoning or issue permits; building and occupancy requirements will still apply and any future expansion beyond the low-intensity use will trigger additional code requirements.