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Council adopts ADU and townhome code updates after lengthy public hearing; second ADU will require SUP
Summary
After hours of public comment and council debate, Denton adopted Development Code changes to clarify townhome rules and expand ADU allowances. The council maintained one ADU by-right and required a specific-use permit for any second ADU on a lot.
The Denton City Council voted Jan. 13 to adopt amendments to townhome and accessory-dwelling-unit (ADU) regulations intended to support missing-middle housing while clarifying design standards.
Planning staff summarized three townhome changes: a lower minimum lot size (from 2,000 to 1,000 sq ft) in mixed-use districts, removal of a confusing "maximum units" calculation, and a revised approach to open-space requirements (exemptions for developments under 3 acres and for projects within 0.5 mile of city parks). On ADUs, staff proposed allowing ADUs in additional residential/mixed districts, clarifying size rules, relaxing some parking requirements, and creating a limited pathway for a second ADU with an SUP or by-right inside a defined inner core.
The public hearing drew dozens of speakers for and against the changes. Supporters argued ADUs and townhomes expand affordable options and enable aging-in-place; opponents warned of neighborhood character changes, drainage and parking impacts, and privacy concerns. "We have a housing crisis on our hands and everything we can do to alleviate that crisis is a win for me," said Isaiah Heck during public comment. Other supporters urged pre-approved ADU designs to cut cost and time.
Council amended staff proposals during debate and approved the package with a citywide rule that a single ADU remains permitted by right but a second ADU on the same lot will require a specific-use permit (SUP) to give neighbors formal notice and a public review opportunity; the motion passed 6'1. Council directed staff to return with implementation details, notice procedures and model designs to help reduce costs for applicants.
