Arlington planners approve accessory dwelling unit at Park Run Drive, require drainage report

The City of Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission on July 16, 2025 approved SUP25-5 to allow a secondary living unit (ADU) at 2306 Park Run Drive, with the condition that an engineering drainage report be provided for City Council consideration.

Alex Van Amberg, planner, told the commission the proposed ADU would be 1,270 square feet (822 square feet of living area plus a 448-square-foot porch), meet Unified Development Code setbacks, and keep lot coverage within limits. Applicant Steven Nicks was unable to attend; his spouse, Tish Nicks, said the ADU is for her elderly mother and described the design as a one-story structure that would match the existing home’s brick and cedar porch.

Commissioners asked about drainage, enforcement against future short-term rentals, and impacts on resale. Commissioner Blake asked whether the applicant would obtain an engineering report; Tish Nicks agreed. Commissioner Carter expressed concern that enforcement of a familial-occupancy limitation could be difficult and said he would vote against ADUs until a firmer enforcement mechanism existed. Commissioner Finley said she supported the ADU as an affordable option for seniors.

Commissioner Blake moved to approve SUP25-5 with the additional requirement that an engineering drainage report be submitted for City Council review; Commissioner Greer seconded. The motion passed 8-1.

What’s next: The approval will proceed to City Council with the drainage report included in the submittal; staff noted that enforcement of occupancy limitations is handled through code enforcement procedures and was discussed but not changed at the hearing.