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Planning commission legalizes 2,200 sq ft accessory structure at 1925 Stallion Circle after staff error
Summary
RowlettPlanning and Zoning Commission on July 28 approved a special use permit to legalize an existing 2,200-square-foot accessory structure at 1925 Stallion Circle after city staff acknowledged a permitting oversight; the vote was unanimous, 6-0.
The Rowlett Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously on July 28 to approve a special use permit that legalizes an existing 2,200-square-foot accessory structure at 1925 Stallion Circle in the Dexam Estates subdivision.
Senior planner Liliana Morajon told commissioners the structure was built after a building permit was issued in October and that staff later determined the building exceeded the 500-square-foot threshold that requires an SUP. "Based on the information available, the total rear yard coverage represents approximately 15%... So based on these findings, staff does recommend approval of the requested special use permit," Morajon said.
Neighbors opposed the request during the public hearing. Gregory Craig of 1914 Stallion Circle described the building as a "metal barn" and said approving it would set a precedent that could lower property values: "That building a large metal building in a nice residential subdivision like Dexam Estate is gonna lower property values, period," Craig said, citing photographs and city permit records he reviewed.
City staff acknowledged a procedural mistake in permitting. A staff member told the commission: "Unfortunately it was a staff error and we have to follow the procedures in the Rowlett Development Code," and said the department lacked records explaining why the SUP requirement was missed earlier in the review.
Applicant Steve Bock told the commission he had personally applied for and obtained the building permit and that the request had been routed among staff members by email. He said he did not receive notice before construction that an SUP was required.
Commissioner Pollard moved to approve the SUP "as the applicant as requested," and Commissioner Job seconded. Commissioners discussed zoning precedents for large accessory structures on one-acre lots, the fact that the structure met setback, height and lot-coverage requirements, and limits on municipal control of building materials under state law. The motion passed 6-0.
No additional site changes were approved; the SUP was to bring the existing structure into compliance with the Rowlett Development Code. The commission did not impose material or color restrictions, and staff noted that, under state law, municipalities have limits on regulating construction materials. The matter will be conveyed to the City Council only as a recommendation; the commission's action was a recommendation to the council per the agenda item.
