A garden homes development received initial approval for a multifamily residential-garden home district permit at the Friendswood City Council meeting on Nov. 4.

The permit changed the zoning classification from single-family residential to multifamily residential-garden home district on from council. This area is an extension of the master-planned neighborhood Sterling Creek. The developer, Adam Hill, requested to build 60-foot lots on the property as the property does not allow for the 90-by-130 foot lot size the city requires, which Hill has adhered to in the rest of his development, he said.

“I have stood up here and advocated for 90-foot lots for a long time. I sit here today and tell you in a humble way, this is the best use of that land,” Hill said.

Council Member Steve Rockey said that when Hill says that the 90-foot lots are not possible, he believes him.

“I’ve always thought that you are the epitome of the best developer we could possibly have. What you build is gorgeous,” Rockey said.


Council Member Robert Griffon said that while he does appreciate the development, he cannot support the addition due to what he has said about 90-foot lots in the past.

“I have just been too vocal in the past in regards to 90-foot lots, and I would just feel hypocritical if I supported you on that,” Griffon said.

Hill argued that the lots would still cost roughly $500,000, which is comparable to the price of homes in the rest of Sterling Creek, Hill said.

“We’re still putting $47 million in the tax rolls for the city in this last section. It is in my mind, the better use of the land,” Hill said


The motion passed 5-2, with Griffon and Council Member John Scott against.