Lewisville planning panel approves special-use permit for backyard cottage at 1001 Forest Park Drive

The Lewisville Planning and Zoning Commission on March 17 approved a special-use permit request that would allow a two-story accessory dwelling unit (a backyard cottage with a garage on the first floor and a dwelling above) at 1001 Forest Park Drive.

Staff told the commission the project — requested by property owners Ainsley Stelling and Jeff Woods as Case 26-01-2 SUP — proposes to replace an existing detached garage. The existing garage sits on a 10-foot utility easement, and staff said the new structure cannot occupy that easement and does not meet the zoning’s supplemental building placement standard that requires an accessory building to be 10 feet from the primary structure. “Staff has no objection to the special use permit request,” the staff member said.

Because no one from the public spoke during the hearing, commissioners debated only the staff presentation and technical constraints. Commissioner Francesca moved to approve the special-use permit and Commissioner Rick seconded. The commission voted to approve the request, with six in favor and one abstention.

The item is scheduled for a second public hearing and final action by City Council on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission is a recommendation; the council’s decision will determine whether the permit is granted.

The lot is described in the record as approximately 0.3084 acre in the Park Place Addition and the property is zoned single-family residential R 12. The staff presentation noted the applicant will demolish the existing detached garage as part of the proposal. No amendments to the proposal were recorded at the commission meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., commissioners approved minutes from the March 3 meeting earlier in the agenda, one commissioner announced a recusal from the item, and the commission adjourned after the vote.