North Richland Hills Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - December 2, 2024

The North Richland Hills Planning and Zoning Commission held a special meeting on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM. Commissioners heard five public hearings and one plat exception request, approving all items with unanimous 7-0 votes. Key discussions included accessory dwelling unit standards, a land swap to facilitate public sewer connection, and a major self-storage facility expansion requiring a conversion to a Planned Development district.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the November 7, 2024, meeting (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided general comments or spoke during the public hearings for the scheduled items.

Discussion Items

ZC24-0114 – Accessory Dwelling Unit at 7421 Hightower Drive Applicant Justin and Michelle Compton requested a special use permit (SUP) to convert an existing 1,447-square-foot structure into a 750-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for family members, such as an elderly mother-in-law. Principal Planner Clayton Husband presented the staff report. Commissioner Ross inquired about mechanisms to prevent short-term rental use (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO), and Planning Director Clayton Comstock detailed a new city-funded monitoring program. Commissioner Goetz discussed water/sewer tap requirements, while Commissioner McMahon discussed the defined livable area. No public testimony was offered. The Commission approved the request 7-0.

ZC24-0119 – Zoning Change from AG to RE-1 at 8033 Valley Drive Applicants Kevin and Susan Holden requested a zoning change from Agricultural (AG) to Residential Estate (RE-1) to allow a new 30x40 permanent accessory building to replace aging structures on their 1.89-acre property. Commissioner Ross discussed the number and use of accessory buildings and potential driveway improvements. Commissioner Stamps confirmed the plat could be approved by staff if the zoning change was approved. No public testimony was offered. The Commission approved the request 7-0.

ZC24-0117 & ZC24-0118 – Reciprocal Zoning Swaps on Kirk Lane and Kirk Road Applicant Rick Figueroa requested a zoning change from RE-1 to R-2 for a 720 sq ft portion of 8800 Kirk Lane (ZC24-0117) and a corresponding change from R-2 to RE-1 for a 1,140 sq ft portion of 7536 Kirk Road (ZC24-0118). The goal was to facilitate a land swap to allow a private sewer connection to public sewer. Commissioner Narayana and staff discussed alternative options, such as a public utility easement (estimated at over $30,000) via a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The applicant stated the goal was to achieve the sewer connection and noted no immediate plans to build on the smaller corner lot. The unusual lot configuration was discussed. No public testimony was offered. The Commission approved both requests 7-0.

ZC24-0115 – Self-Storage Facility Revision and Expansion on Boulevard 26 The commission considered a request from DCG Engineering Inc. on behalf of U-Haul/SAC Holdings to revise the existing SUP for the facility at 8213 Boulevard 26 and obtain a new SUP for an adjacent property at 8225 Boulevard 26. The U-Haul representative stated this would add a new four-story, approximately 100,000-square-foot building with about 700 storage units, representing a $10 million investment. Given high occupancy (over 95%) and the need to address parking, landscaping, and building articulation, staff recommended converting the request from an SUP to a Non-Residential Planned Development (NR-PD) to allow for flexible standards.

Commissioner Stamps discussed the aesthetic integration of the two properties and landscaping requirements. Commissioner Narayana discussed conforming uses, sidewalk standards per the Vision 2030 plan, and the types of zoning districts allowing storage. Commissioner Ross discussed the desire for landscape screening. The commission discussed trade-offs: removing a landscaping requirement on the west side to enhance landscaping along Harwood and Boulevard 26, and signage allowances.

The Commission recommended the property be developed in line with the presented site plan and elevations, with the condition that staff work through the Development Review Committee (DRC) on final details. Commissioner Narayana requested that the final elevations come back to PNZ for approval, but later withdrew the request based on staff's ability to enforce consistency through the DRC. No public testimony was offered. The Commission approved the NR-PD request 7-0.

D.1 PLAT24-0078 – Utility Exception for Wayfarer Addition The commission considered a request from Somerik Realty LLC for an exception to Section 110-367(f) of the Subdivision Ordinance to allow underground utility service lines and transformers to be located at the front of the lots. Applicant Todd Bowers stated that the shallow lot depth (approx. 80 feet) and a drainage easement made rear-lot placement impractical. Scott Bombach of Encore noted the ease of access from the street for maintenance. Staff reviewed the specific guidelines for front-lot placement. Commissioner Stamps made a motion to approve the exception. The Commission approved the exception 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• ZC24-0114 (ADU): Approved 7-0. (Scheduled for City Council Dec 9)
• ZC24-0119 (Zoning Change): Approved 7-0. (Scheduled for City Council Dec 9)
• ZC24-0117 (Zoning Change): Approved 7-0. (Scheduled for City Council Dec 9)
• ZC24-0118 (Zoning Change): Approved 7-0. (Scheduled for City Council Dec 9)
• ZC24-0115 (Self-Storage NR-PD): Approved 7-0. (Scheduled for City Council Dec 9)
• PLAT24-0078 (Utility Exception): Approved 7-0.

Announcements

Planning Director Clayton Comstock provided updates on recent City Council actions (including approvals of the Community Enrichment Center PD and the Roach accessory building). He also provided an overview of upcoming holiday community events. A tribute was paid to Don Tipps, a longtime community volunteer, educator, and former Parks Board member, who had recently passed away. The next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 16, 2025, with the December 19 and January 2 meetings likely canceled. Chair Welborn adjourned the meeting at 9:26 PM.