Commission recommends R7 zoning for Bolivar–Taliaferro lot over neighborhood objections

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5–1 to recommend approval of a rezoning that would change a 0.74‑acre parcel at Bolivar and Taliaferro Streets from Residential 3 to Residential 7, enabling duplex development.

Bryce Van Arsdale, assistant planner, recommended approval and said the request is “consistent with the development pattern of the area” and the Denton comprehensive plan, though it slightly increases density compared with the low‑residential designation. Applicant Amy Bissett presented a nonbinding concept showing four duplex buildings (eight units), parking that meets code (four off‑street spaces per lot), and a preliminary tree‑preservation plan that retains 14 of 21 on‑site trees. Bissett also provided trip‑generation estimates: about 58 vehicle trips per day and peak‑hour traffic of four in the morning and five in the evening.

Several nearby residents urged denial. Denise Galeta said the rezoning would be “out of character” with the neighborhood and raise safety and parking concerns. Sam Bunn, an adjacent homeowner, said the plan leaves “16 cars pointed at my house now” and asked the commission to weigh privacy and tree preservation. The applicant acknowledged neighborhood concerns and committed to ongoing engagement during design.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about parking, unit size and design. Bissett said the concept uses narrow duplexes with a maximum of two bedrooms per unit in that layout, and noted the developer hopes to provide at least one one‑car garage per unit during design. Commissioners who voted in favor said the change fits the pattern of incremental infill and could help meet housing goals, but several expressed continued concern about parking and urged close neighborhood coordination as the project advances to site‑ and engineering‑level reviews.

The commission’s recommendation now moves to city council for final action. The motion to recommend R7 zoning passed 5–1.