Commission backs conditional‑use permit to convert accessory structure at 816 West Shepherd into ADU

The Denison Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional‑use permit to convert an existing accessory structure at 816 West Shepherd Street into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), staff and the applicant said.

Planning staff (Miss York / Speaker 4) described the structure as existing and nonconforming because of its proximity to the east property line and its height, which staff estimated at approximately 25 feet compared with an ordinance height cap of 18 feet. "As it currently exists, the setback that is depicted on the site plan... is about 4 feet. That is allowed for accessory structures. As they are wanting to convert this structure into a dwelling unit, that setback becomes nonconforming," Speaker 4 said. Staff said mitigation would include installing a firewall and that utilities would be separated for the ADU to have its own meters, subject to impact and utility fees.

Mario Pacheco, representing the property owner, identified the property address as "816 West Shepherd, Denison." Commissioners asked about architectural standards, square footage limits and egress; staff said lot coverage and building‑code mitigation will be addressed during permitting and predevelopment review. Speaker 1 raised concerns about egress and noted that windows on a firewall would need to be fire‑rated.

The commission voted to recommend approval of the CUP with the noted conditions and direction that building‑code, fire, and permitting issues be addressed at the permitting stage.

Next steps: applicant must submit required site, permitting, and building plans; staff will provide additional language recommendations on ADUs in forthcoming meetings as the commission requested.