Plan commission backs form‑based code amendments on flags, alley accessory buildings and admin fixes

The Richardson City Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval July 7 of zoning file ZF26‑13, a city‑initiated ordinance to amend and restate the Main Street Central/Expressway form‑based code. The amendments align the code with recent City Council ordinance changes on flags and flagpoles, provide measured relief for accessory buildings adjacent to alleys, and correct administrative exhibit references.

Staff member Andrew (presenting for Development Services) said the package addresses three main areas: (1) accessory building placement—allowing accessory structures adjacent to an alley to have a 0‑foot setback from the alley right‑of‑way so dumpsters, walk‑in coolers and patio covers can be sited where alleys exist; (2) flags and flagpoles—setting per‑lot limits on number of poles and flags, maximum heights (25 ft for single‑family/townhome; 40 ft for nonresidential/multifamily), maximum flag area (25–40 sq ft depending on lot type), rules for corporate flags and setback/permit requirements; and (3) administrative corrections, including replacing exhibit references and adding Appendix D to memorialize legal descriptions for a set of nonconforming properties.

Commissioners asked whether the new rules would affect existing large flags; staff said such installations would generally become legal nonconforming (allowed to remain but with limits on future changes). Pat Kinder, a nearby resident, asked the commission to exempt a locally‑owned, unpaved remnant alley that abuts residential property from the alley setback relief because the remnant is not a functioning alley and he fears dumpsters or accessory structures could be sited near homes. Staff and commission legal counsel explained that the accessory‑building relief mainly helps properties that actually back to a functional alley and that corner lots with two frontages already lack a rear lot line; staff also said alley abandonments or specific exemptions could be pursued separately.

Scott Rickmore urged staff to bring a future proposal to limit automotive and heavy industrial uses in the Interurban subdistrict to better align the code with the city’s stated walkable mixed‑use vision; staff said that topic would require separate notice and analysis. After public comment, Commissioner Beach moved to recommend approval of ZF26‑13 as presented; the motion passed unanimously.

Staff also announced that Andrew, the staff presenter, submitted his resignation and will leave later in the week for a position with another city; the commission thanked him. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council.