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Northlake council approves two special‑use permits for large accessory buildings in Northridge Estates
Summary
Council approved two special‑use permits (7801 and 7930 Meadow Ridge Drive) allowing accessory structures to exceed the town’s 50% accessory‑to‑dwelling threshold after public hearings showing extensive neighbor support; both votes passed 6–1.
The Northlake Town Council approved two special‑use permits allowing property owners in Northridge Estates to build accessory structures larger than the town’s 50% accessory‑to‑dwelling coverage rule.
At 7801 Meadow Ridge Drive, applicant Brian Nicholson told the council his proposed 60‑by‑30 accessory building plus a 40‑by‑12 covered porch (480 sq ft) would bring the accessory total to about 61% of the primary dwelling. Planning & Zoning recommended approval, and staff reported 45 written responses in favor; multiple neighbors spoke in support during the public hearing. Council approved the SUP by a 6–1 vote.
A second, similar request for 7930 Meadow Ridge Drive was presented by an applicant who is also a member of the ESD board. Planning & Zoning recommended approval 5–1 and neighbors again showed support; that SUP also passed 6–1. During both hearings residents raised broader questions about the ordinance’s fairness, arguing percentage‑of‑home rules disadvantage owners of smaller houses on larger lots and suggesting the town review code language and permit penalties so compliance isn’t unduly punitive.
Council discussed the percentage thresholds and whether the ordinance should be revised to better match the HOA standards and lot sizes. For tonight’s votes, council cited the strong neighborhood backing and the applicants’ adherence to permitting and HOA processes in approving both SUPs.
