Weatherford panel permits single‑family detached homes in Central Neighborhood

The Weatherford Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 10 unanimously approved a text amendment to Title 12 that adds single‑family detached dwellings as a permitted use in the Central Neighborhood and creates a definition for "mixed use building." The commission took the action after a staff presentation and without public comment.

City staff member Seth told commissioners the amendment responds to multiple inquiries and reflects the existing character of the area: "we believe permitting the single family detached dwellings is considered compatible with the established neighborhood character," he said. Staff also recommended clarifying that household living on second story and above is a permitted use in mixed‑use buildings and that first‑floor household living would be conditional in mixed‑use structures.

Commissioners queried whether the change corrected a drafting omission or represented a substantive policy shift. Seth said the previous ordinance lacked explicit language permitting single‑family detached homes; the amendment authorizes new detached single‑family construction in the district and adds an explicit definition of mixed‑use building to reduce ambiguity in code interpretation.

Chair Brian McCown opened the required public hearing but, noting no members of the public were present, closed it immediately. Commissioner Dr. Tarbay moved to approve the amendment; Mr. Cray seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The chair reminded attendees that items considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission are also considered by the City Council; the amendment will be forwarded to the council for final action.