Plan Commission OKs 0‑lot‑line homes at 1350 E. Miller with design and tree conditions

The Garland Plan Commission on June 22 approved an amendment to PD 22‑26 that allows three‑story 0‑lot‑line single‑family homes at 1350 East Miller Road, subject to conditions recommended by staff and clarified by the commission.

Planning staff told commissioners the 3.18‑acre site would keep previously approved density while adding additional canopy trees and requiring fire sprinklers in all 0‑lot‑line homes to address fire department concerns. "As such staff recommends approval of the PD amendment request subject to the condition that a dog park be provided in the Northeast corner of the property along East Miller Road," the planner said during the presentation.

Applicant representatives said the conversion responds to market demand: "The 0 lot line units will be around 2,300 square feet," Bobby Rawlings said, explaining the product mix and that infrastructure has been accepted by the city. Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on tree feasibility, parking, and the visual impacts of 3‑foot separations between detached units; staff and the applicant described options for alternative compliance or substituting ornamental trees.

Commissioner Abel moved approval per staff recommendation with added conditions: one canopy tree and one ornamental tree per lot and at least one decorative element on the front of the garage or facade to reduce the visual dominance of garages on narrow lots. Commissioner Jenkins seconded the motion. The commission voted to approve and the chair announced the motion passed; the item will move forward for subsequent PD/Council processing.

The commission also discussed HOA maintenance of narrow easements between 0‑lot homes and recommended including HOA restrictions to prevent storage or misuse of the 3‑foot easement. Staff said utility and meter details will be finalized during the engineering and permitting stage.