Backyard Cottages

Backyard Cottage Public Review Process Update

At the February 4, 2019 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting Opens a New Window. , the Commission held a public hearing and voted 6 - 0 to approve proposed Backyard Cottage zoning amendments. With this vote, the Commission incorporated the following improvements to what was presented at previous meetings:

• Architectural and Design Standards: The backyard cottage must be architecturally compatible with the main dwelling unit, including consistent design elements, building materials, and colors.
• Occupancy and Permitting Requirements: The property owner must occupy either the main dwelling unit or the backyard cottage as a permanent residence and must at no time receive rent for the owner-occupied unit.  The property owner must submit an affidavit and establish a recorded covenant documenting this condition as a component of the backyard cottage permitting process.

A public hearing for the Plano City Council to consider these proposed zoning amendments will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 25, 2019 Opens a New Window.  in the Senator Florence Shapiro Council Chambers at 1520 K Ave, Plano, TX 75074. This meeting can also be viewed online Opens a New Window. , via Facebook Live, and on the Plano Television Network.  We encourage those who wish to provide feedback on the proposed Backyard Cottage regulations to attend this meeting.  

Backyard Cottage Background

As Plano’s population and neighborhoods continue to change, it is important to explore strategies that promote neighborhood reinvestment and account for housing options that address the community's housing needs.  One potential option currently being explored by the City of Plano Planning Department is the allowance of Backyard Cottages.

What is a Backyard Cottage?

Backyard Cottages are permanent, detached, second dwelling units located on an existing single-family lot.  These units are also commonly referred to as accessory dwelling units, in-law suites, or second units.  

Throughout the United States, demand for this housing option has increased.  Many communities in Texas have recently adopted or are exploring regulations that would permit this housing option.  In Plano, this housing style is currently only permitted in the Estate Development zoning district, a zoning designation which includes only 141 properties.

What are the potential benefits of Backyard Cottages?

Benefits of Backyard Cottages include:

• Additional housing options for seniors, dependent adults, and others;
• Opportunity for additional living space while limiting the impact on the existing home; and
• Accommodating flexibility for a homeowner’s changing housing needs.

How could Backyard Cottages be regulated in Plano?

If Backyard Cottages were to be more broadly permitted in Plano, design standards would be needed to ensure compatibility with the character, function, and capacity of existing neighborhoods. Potential design criteria would need to address:

• Lot Layout;
• Cottage Height and Size;
• Construction Quality;
• Consistency of Design with the Main House; and
• Parking Required on the Lot.

Where could Backyard Cottages be built in the future?

If Plano adopted new standards, more homeowners could have the opportunity to accommodate a Backyard Cottage on their property.  Based on prevailing lot and home design trends in Plano, it is likely that only 10-15% of Plano's existing single-family detached housing stock could meet typical design criteria for Backyard Cottages.  Additional constraints for the accommodation of Backyard Cottages in Plano include HOA restrictions and construction costs.

Homeowners with small to moderately sized homes on larger, efficiently designed lots would be most likely to meet typical Backyard Cottage design criteria.

Where can I review additional information related to the consideration of Backyard Cottages in Plano?

To learn more about the consideration of Backyard Cottages in Plano, please review the February 4, 2019 P & Z Backyard Cottage Public Hearing Opens a New Window. , January 22, 2019 P & Z Backyard Cottage Discussion Opens a New Window. , Informational Video Opens a New Window. , Flyer Opens a New Window. , and past P & Z Presentation Opens a New Window.  at the links above.