Commission recommends approval of large accessory structure at 912 Keller Smithfield

The Keller Planning & Zoning Commission on July 14 recommended City Council approve SUP‑2605‑0016, a request to build a 2,259‑square‑foot detached accessory structure averaging about 18 feet in height behind a new 4,859‑square‑foot main house on a 2.46‑acre SF‑36 lot at 912 Keller Smithfield Road.

Miss Zimmerman, the city planner presenting the case, said the proposal triggers two specific‑use permits because it exceeds the 1,200‑square‑foot accessory‑structure threshold for SF‑36 and the 15‑foot average height allowed without an SUP. Staff told the commission the structure would conform with setbacks, match the primary home's materials and sit behind the front façade; staff mailed 25 notices to property owners within 300 feet and reported no formal written opposition to staff before the hearing.

Neighbors spoke at the public hearing. Bob Stevenson, who lives at 904 Keller Smithfield Road, said he had “no issues with the building itself” but asked whether the property used septic or city sewer and raised concerns about drainage and potential lighting if the owners later added a sport court. Frank and Lindsay Guerra asked how close the structure would sit to their pool and whether windows would overlook their backyard.

The builder, Chase Hall, showed site plans and elevations and told the commission there are no windows on the elevation facing the neighbor's fence; he also said the septic tank and distribution field sit between the house and the accessory building. Hall confirmed the structure is intended as a shop, storage and recreational space and that the owners are pre‑plumbing the slab to permit a single bathroom in the future if they later decide to add it, but he and staff emphasized that converting the building into an accessory dwelling unit would require a separate permitting and approval process.

Commissioners discussed neighbors’ questions about privacy, septic capacity and long‑term uses. Commissioner Lice moved to approve the item "as presented," a motion seconded by Commissioner Brensinger. The commission voted 7–0 to recommend approval; staff said the item will be forwarded to City Council on Aug. 4 for final action.

The commission’s approval was advisory; Council will make the final decision. The applicant and staff did not request any additional conditions beyond those in the application. The commission recorded that if the owners later seek to change the structure into habitable living space, they must return to the appropriate permitting processes.

The advisory recommendation and staff materials, including site plans and elevations, will be part of the Aug. 4 City Council packet.