Consider ZBA 2026-0558, a request for a variance to increase the accessory structure maximum height regulations to exceed the principal building (Sec. 4.02(B.1.a)) and decrease the side setback for an accessory structure over 15 feet (Sec. 4.02(B.2.a.3)). This is for the property described as Lot 14, Block 12, Richland Hills Addition, City of Richland Hills, Tarrant County, Texas otherwise known a

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

The property at 7171 Richland Road is a 22,960 square-foot lot with a 2,134 square-foot primary residence located in the SF-10 zoning district. The applicant for this property is Raymond Esparza. According to Section 4.02(B.1.a) Accessory Structure Standards – Residential accessory structure requirements (excluding carports) - Dimensions, “an accessory structure shall not exceed two stories in height, or twenty-eight (28) feet, and shall not exceed the height of the principal building, whichever is lower.” The height of the principal building is 15 feet. The proposed accessory structure is 16 feet tall, exceeding the height of the principal building by one (1) foot. According to Section 4.02(B.2.a.3) Accessory Structure Standards – Residential accessory structure requirements (excluding carports) - Location, “the side setback shall be contingent upon structure height as follows.” The code then references a chart that states that an accessory building “15 feet one inch or taller” should go by the base zoning side yard setback. The interior side yard setback for the Single Family-10 zoning district is ten (10) feet. The proposed side setback is five (5) feet. According to the applicant, the proposed accessory garage will be used for personal storage and to perform work on personal vehicles. The applicant originally proposed constructing a secondary driveway to provide vehicular access to the new structure; however, he has since indicated that he no longer intends to construct the driveway. Staff advised the applicant that the City's regulations require garages to be served by an approved driveway. At this time, the applicant is not willing to include a driveway as part of the proposal. Because the proposal constitutes new building construction, the City's current driveway and parking standards apply. Section 74-236 establishes standards for residential driveways serving garages, while Section 74-239 requires applicable driveway and parking requirements to be brought i

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 6.5/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, voting YES on measures that cap or reduce ad valorem tax burdens, expand taxpayer exemptions, retire debt early, enforce competitive bidding caps, or remove regulatory/zoning barriers to private property rights earns a positive Pro-Liberty score.