Commission recommends special-use permit for accessory dwelling unit at 7110 Shady Grove

The Planning and Zoning Commission on April 28 recommended that city council approve a special-use permit for a 340-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 7110 Shady Grove Road, forwarding the item by a 6–0 vote.

Planner Mr. Flanders told commissioners the proposed structure would be stucco-and-rock to match the main home, include a living area, bathroom, wet bar and stairs to a sleeping loft, and have an average building height of 15 feet, 7 inches (peak 21.375 feet). Staff mailed 50 notices and said it had received no public feedback on the request.

The commission’s discussion focused on use and design details. Commissioner John Scott said he "would love to have heard from the the people that wanna do this," noting it would have been helpful to hear whether the ADU was intended to be sold or subleased. Commissioner Deborah Johnson raised concerns about the planned wet bar and said, "I'm seeing in the picture looks like a full kitchen," adding that a full kitchen could make the structure more like a separate apartment than an accessory space.

Planner Flanders said the lot’s acreage allows an ADU and that the commission’s questions about the kitchen and height would be conveyed to the applicant for council. Commissioner Ross Brensinger described the request as reasonable given the lot’s size and placement of the ADU behind the primary residence.

Commissioner Brensinger moved to approve the request; Commissioner Michelle Sandoval Cabanas seconded. The commission’s recommendation to approve will be considered by Keller City Council on May 19.

Outcome: Recommendation to City Council (vote 6–0).