[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6475472,"mediaKeyId","5733832-15682ed454d4057f8e4cb028afacd506","parentId",5733832,"title","Board defers decision on Parliament Cove height variance after mixed votes, asks staff to clarify variance vs. special-exception process","audioSeconds",2338,"startMs",2953000,"endMs",5291000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733832-15682ed454d4057f8e4cb028afacd506&start=2953&end=5291","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733832-15682ed454d4057f8e4cb028afacd506/thumbnail_2953000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6475472/Lago-Vista/Travis-County/Texas/Board-defers-decision-on-Parliament-Cove-height-variance-after-mixed-votes-asks-staff-to-clarify-variance-vs-special-exception-process","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475472-cce454febf6a20c9b4bcb4393e7d7b4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491581&Signature=g50M2qJm8RwrfTANJExjRapC-kAOYUobOXWfFFYqyCCNViUzv~Gl-RGibHschTjvQsMTSi8xSAtt-Nnfez0rLtV4AvjzJsU~CuKOmq21iVyvoilNrXHQ-XKXBNf4W-mUU5-43SEyVZuZMAqC1W7yCLFGk1sAKiGQI5NcrDHbmSeaEJmkfxF0XCo94Zvyq5jmy~BFlWt8VBNWcbKkgQ34Kl3Zr0iXtv6Ze53txTocuFGYElc6kKdQ2KFkj9ImzJW83FTwYfDuXvlp26VJ2Lc3f~aVvg0fyuXfMEG2q3uKnWRjkLlme2HFiYYTV2NM~FalZUBNhtEo1M6Ysc6utMkZLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lago Vista","date","2025-09-08T00:00:00Z","article","The Lago Vista Board of Adjustment on Sept. 8 deferred final action on a variance request from Michael and Vicky Belcher to exceed maximum height limits for a proposed single-family home at 3109 Parliament Cove (Highland Lake Estates). After an extended public hearing and an executive-session consultation with the city attorney, the board failed to adopt either approval or denial — several motions failed to receive the 75% supermajority required to authorize a zoning variance — and instead voted to table the item until staff returns with clearer legal guidance and corrected notice/application materials.

Applicants Kelsey Lynette Belcher and Vicky Belcher spoke in favor of the variance. Kelsey Belcher, who identified herself as the owner living behind the subject lot, said she is “the only resident whose view would be in any way affected” and said the additional 3 feet 4 inches would “greatly enhance” a craft loft used by her mother. Vicky Belcher said the lot is irregular, on a slope, and that the design preserves permeable surface and avoids windows facing neighboring backyards; she told the board that “there are no windows on the side that would look into anyone's yard.”

Neighbors opposed. Resident Vera Thompson's written opposition raised privacy concerns; Paul Prince asked the board to deny the request, saying the neighborhood has “0 homes built above the build ridge 15 feet” and warned that approval could set an unwelcome precedent for architectural consistency.

Staff reported the request was filed as a variance to exceed the maximum height; the city attorney explained the agenda wording described the requested relief sufficiently to put the public on notice but cautioned the board that legal standards for a variance differ from the special-exception provisions in the city code. During closed-session advice, the board reviewed the legal standard and the procedural history of the application.

Board members conducted multiple floor votes. An initial motion to deny failed to reach the 75% threshold required under state statute for variations; a later motion to approve also failed to reach the necessary supermajority. After discussion the board adopted a unanimous motion to table (defer) the item and requested that staff prepare a clear presentation explaining whether the request should be processed and considered as a variance or a special exception under city ordinance, verify mailed-notice lists, and confirm application materials before the item is re‑noticed and re‑scheduled.

The board also raised concerns about topography and lot uniqueness in deliberations: some members said the lot’s slope and the house footprint’s siting were arguments in favor of flexibility, while others emphasized consistency with nearby properties and precedent.

Actions recorded: two substantive motions (one to deny and one to approve) failed to reach the 75% approval threshold required for a variance; final motion to defer/table item (25-2852-VAR) — passed unanimously.

Proper names in the record include Michael and Vicky Belcher; Kelsey Lynette Belcher; Paul Prince; Vera Thompson; City Attorney Brad Bullock; City of Lago Vista (Chapter 14 zoning); and references to Texas statutory provision 211.009 (vote threshold for zoning variations) and the city ethics policy (section 1.1803) that limits certain appearances by council members before boards.

Board direction: staff to return with (1) clarification whether the application must be considered as a variance or a special exception under local ordinance; (2) corrected mailed-notice records and re-notification as needed; and (3) a staff presentation that aligns city code with the state statutory thresholds discussed in closed session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lago Vista - Board of Adjustment","oneSentenceSummary","The Lago Vista Board of Adjustment on Sept. 8 deferred action on a requested height variance at 3109 Parliament Cove after votes both to approve and to deny failed to reach the 75% supermajority required by state law; the board unanimously voted to table the item and asked staff for legal and procedural clarification.","taxTitle","Lago Vista, Travis County, Texas","taxId",69620,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475478,"Board denies renewed height exception for Patriot Drive property after prior exemption expired",1656,1283000,2939000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733832-15682ed454d4057f8e4cb028afacd506&start=1283&end=2939","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733832-15682ed454d4057f8e4cb028afacd506/thumbnail_1283000.jpg","/articles/6475478/Lago-Vista/Travis-County/Texas/Board-denies-renewed-height-exception-for-Patriot-Drive-property-after-prior-exemption-expired","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475478-395bc0f5f2a65ea1c76650157e961968/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491581&Signature=M4APP964FRY5WhCttvN9Ul22wlaSALI-nqVc32nYii6ZNsglXAbbVC68qt4aKkPU78U-nRc2wgsrRlxGrlIRoXmTl~H3ti8OV2O3jZm4Pw37XwS0no1B1MAEe2XgW0tyrALz59FehZy4jqdZDpRSEJEWv096PqRD57B5jfhRxjd7duLxk0-lh6JJ0b7wt7FOt84CIn7TJ5ObvspbESlHIBN0YpstFdDEp8wtHqtGR4lv63Em1cXQPFC0gBkUhx~3quQddKod8gvK1f1O1hKD7WJcTtgcq2qyTj~Nil4p2BIXOfKAV-90yuRYKuageeXvZIQuU92r2NH2HSnibWeH3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lago Vista Board of Adjustment on Sept. 8 denied Firefly Cove LLC’s request for a special exception to exceed height limits at 2705 Patriot Drive (Island Lakes Estates, Section 29, Lot 29028). Staff told the board that a prior special exception granted in September 2021 had expired and that extensions under the city ordinance are strictly limited.

Staff reported the prior exemption had lapsed; under city procedures an expired approval must be re-applied for and may only be extended for a limited period by written request and city manager approval. Several board members said the applicant had not provided required information for this hearing and that factual questions remained, including whether the lot sits within a floodplain and whether the required ridgepole had been erected during the application period.

Board members and staff also raised concerns about inconsistent mailed notices to surrounding property owners. Board members asked staff to verify the mailing list and to reissue consistent notices before acting. Board member Harris said there was “insufficient information” to rule and moved to deny based on the ridgepole requirement and neighbor opposition; his motion to deny was seconded and, after a vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Multiple neighbors spoke in opposition and also said they had not received mailed notices in a timely way. Resident William McCord said he did not receive a notice and that the stalled construction had obstructed his sunrise view; Kenneth Fordman, who lives across the street, described the site as an “eyesore” and said he did not receive mailed notice.

Staff also flagged technical discrepancies in the applicant’s building-permit materials noted during the hearing: the permit lists 1,491 square feet of livable area while the city’s minimum is 1,500 square feet; the plan lists a 392-square-foot garage while the city minimum garage is 400 square feet. The board requested staff verify those figures and confirm floodplain status and notification records if the applicant returns.

The board closed the public hearing and denied the renewal request. No additional direction to staff beyond verifying notices and technical permit data was adopted at this meeting.

Actions: motion to deny (23-2800-SP-E) — mover: Mr. Harris; second: Mr. Hall; outcome: denied (unanimous vote).

Proper names and items referenced include Firefly Cove LLC; Island Lakes Estates Section 29; City of Lago Vista Chapter 14; City Manager West; Brad Bullock (city attorney).","The Board of Adjustment denied Firefly Cove LLC’s renewed request to exceed maximum height limits for a home at 2705 Patriot Drive, citing the prior special exception had expired and the applicant did not meet ordinance procedural requirements such as a ridgepole and sufficient documentation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475482,"Board of Adjustment denies height exception for Bison Trail lot",1107,104000,1211000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733832-15682ed454d4057f8e4cb028afacd506&start=104&end=1211","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733832-15682ed454d4057f8e4cb028afacd506/thumbnail_104000.jpg","/articles/6475482/Lago-Vista/Travis-County/Texas/Board-of-Adjustment-denies-height-exception-for-Bison-Trail-lot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475482-4391dd2f7b39dbc4382547c21f8b69dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491581&Signature=ZUUSuZguBZ-v106FtXefyXroAOkEhLVsxAJIkaYrp9EHWBuvSICaufxYN0mVY8qYQIX7275dErJgztKMkSO8GdEPcwqfXIPjb5qLCGbexQViL2sooncP0X5lt0i4RKNOoyrv716Vf0zAyP8Lv-jLzboaLNiFRnz2S6h75x~Xb5pYuwQD6vDrClYC32IAOZ7JmzMN-yW-zSSxOO6rDh~c0tAwI19VONdtOCOfnQM3kAm7oPDeWI~hKGa~n73XhR13BbhXPN2PKtAowE9bw0w-F7-68l5XKMj24D73QNL5VGlaj27I5~y0USzXZ8dvIcNUBQBsY5UWNz73H12jEb4iKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lago Vista Board of Adjustment on Sept. 8 denied a special exception request from LTX Holdings Inc. to exceed the maximum height limits in Chapter 14 of the city code for a proposed single-family home at 21413 Bison Trail (Lot 12401, Bar K Ranch, Plat 12).

The board opened the public hearing after staff confirmed the legal description on notices was correct and city attorney Brad Bullock advised the item could proceed despite a typographical address error in the packet. Bullock said the legal description put the public on notice and recommended proceeding with the hearing.

Neighbors who spoke at the hearing said the proposed higher structure would look down into private spaces and could harm resale value. Resident Steve Colwell told the board, “they'd be looking right down into our master through our master bedroom, master bathroom windows,” and said the house would “tower over my house.” Another resident stated the neighborhood had submitted multiple returns indicating opposition and that at least nine responses had been provided across repeated mailings.

Board member Erin moved to deny the special exception and amended her motion during debate, saying there was “no demonstrated reason why a home could not be built on this empty lot that would meet the zoning requirements.” The motion was seconded by board member Rich and carried; the board recorded the motion as a denial.

Staff presentation noted the application was initially received Jan. 1, 2025, and delayed because of prior insufficient notices; staff also said the application appears complete and that the city’s neutral role in variance matters means staff made no recommendation for approval or denial.

Because the request concerned an existing zoning standard, the board emphasized it was appropriate to require findings. Board members cited neighboring homeowners’ privacy and resale concerns as part of the public record supporting denial. The board closed the public hearing and denied the special exception request.

The board did not adopt any alternate directions or remands for additional information; the denial ends the request unless the applicant resubmits.

Votes at a glance: motion to deny (23-2785-SP-E) — mover: Erin; second: Rich; outcome: denied (motion carried).

Proper names mentioned in the hearing include LTX Holdings Incorporated; Bar K Ranch (Plat 12); Brad Bullock (city attorney); City Manager West; and resident Steve Colwell.

The board indicated the legal description and notice process will be reviewed for accuracy when similar items return to ensure public notice requirements are met.","The Lago Vista Board of Adjustment denied a special exception request from LTX Holdings Inc. to exceed the city's height limit for a single-family home at 21413 Bison Trail after neighbors spoke in opposition and the board concluded a compliant home could be built without the variance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board defers decision on Parliament Cove height variance after mixed votes, asks staff to clarify variance vs. special-exception process

Board denies renewed height exception for Patriot Drive property after prior exemption expired

Board of Adjustment denies height exception for Bison Trail lot