Title
Conduct a Public hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on the request by Owner Norma Favaro, to Consider/Discuss/Act on the Appeal of the Building Official’s decision regarding a violation of UDC Article 2 Section 206 A.3.a.VII, prohibiting artificial turf in the front yard of single-family dwellings. The applicant is requesting to keep the artificial turf already installed in portions of their front yard. This request is on the property located at 904 Finch Avenue, Lot 1 of Block 1 of the Greenwood Addition to the City of McKinney, Texas.
Summary
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT CASE NUMBER: BOA 2025-0039
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2025
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Building Inspections
CONTACT: Suzanne Arnold, Chief Building Official
RECOMMENDED BOARD ACTION: Consider this variance request based on the applicant statement on the Board of Adjustment (BOA) application.
ZONING: R8
EXISTING CONDITIONS: This lot has a large side yard that is utilized like a backyard. The side yard fence extends farther forward toward the street than the front of the house. Artificial turf has been installed in that fenced side yard space, which extends forward into a portion of the front yard. In an image dated October of 2024, it appears that all of the grass had been removed from the entire front and side yard. Subsequently, turf was installed within the fence and natural grass was installed in the rest of the front yard.
ITEM SUMMARY: On or about February 18, 2025, Code Compliance issued a Notice of Violation regarding the artificial turf in the front yard. The Code officer made at least 6 follow-up inspections, confirming that the violation was not abated. This variance application was submitted September 4, 2025.
VARIANCE REQUESTED:
|
ZONING ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS |
VARIANCE REQUESTED |
VARIANCE |
|
|
|
|
|
Artificial turf prohibited |
Keep turf |
100% |
APPLICANT’S BASIS FOR VARIANCE: See description on the BOA application.
PUBLIC SUPPORT/OPPOSITION OF REQUEST: 27 letters were sent. To date, no letters of support and no letters of opposition have been submitted.
BOARD AUTHORITY:
Variances. A Variance may be approved by the Board of Adjustment to provide relief from the strict application of the zoning provisions of this Code where literal enforcement of the requirements of this Code will result in unnecessary hardship and where the Variance is necessary to develop a parcel of land that cannot otherwise be developed due to unique conditions on the property.
1. Permit a Variance to requirements of any district where there are unusual and practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships due to an irregular shape of the lot or topographical or other conditions; and
2. Authorize Variances from the strict application of this Code that are in harmony with its general purpose and intent, provided such Variance will not merely serve as a convenience to the applicant, but will alleviate some demonstrable and unusual hardship or difficulty, while at the same time, the surrounding properties will be properly protected.
BUILDING OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
The request has been field validated, and I agree that the Board has the implied authority to consider this Variance by the Applicant/Owner.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
BOA2025-0039 - 904 Finch Ave. - Packet to include:
• Application
• Application Letter
• GIS Map
• Notice Letter
• Notice Map
• Site Photos Before and After
• Site Photos in Progress
• Site Plan/Survey
• Zoning Exhibit
ACTION: Approved Denied Tabled