06 - Boards & Commissions - Minutes

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8. Public hearing to consider and take action regarding an amendment to Appendix C of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Paris Texas, more specifically to create a new zoning district to include duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes. John Godwin states this is an issue we just talked about tonight and we've been talking about trying to fix it. Godwin proposes creating a new zoning district in the multiple -family category to accommodate triplexes and quadplexes. It would be an addition of an entirely new zoning district called four -family dwelling or 4-F. This could include anything up to a quadplex, thereby including triplexes by default. Godwin states duplexes would remain in a Two -Family Dwelling District (2F). Public hearing declared open. No one spoke in favor nor against. Public hearing declared closed. Motion made by Chad Lindsey and seconded by John Lee to approve the new zoning district. Motion carried 6-0. 9. Discussion regarding Accessory Building Regulations. Alan Efrussy advised Section 13 of the zoning ordinance provides regulations for accessory buildings within the city. It includes a brief definition and area regulations for these structures, but does not directly address accessory dwelling units, which would include mother-in-law homes and garage apartments. In residential districts an accessory building may not have kitchens or bathrooms, so in other words, accessory dwelling units are not allowed. Efrussy states as currently written, the ordinance allows what it calls subordinate buildings in all other zoning districts. Subordinate buildings must be incidental to and used only in conjunction with the main building. He states in a commercial zoning district that might include storage, a guard shack, etc. In an agricultural district it might include a barn or chicken coop. Efrussy further states an aging population, greater mobility, and changing families have created a higher demand for alternative residential uses such as mother-in-law houses and garage apartments, which are specifically defined as accessory residential dwelling units, developed on the same lot as the primary residential dwelling unit. But our ordinance does not do very well at clarifying where they should and should not be allowed. Efrussy states there are no regulations on the construction of these structures, or limitations on their use. Efrussy advised that city staff has received requests for the approval of these accessory dwelling units in various districts. Commission discussed and agrees there is enough interest to drafting an ordinance amendment to respond to this lack of standards and requirements, yet provide opportunity for these accessory residential dwelling units in the right places.