During the City of Fair Oaks Ranch Regular City Council Meeting on December 5, 2024, significant discussions centered around the proposed master development plan (MDP) for an 80.69-acre parcel of land located at 29580 Ralph Air Road. This plan, submitted by Athena Domain LLC, is a crucial step toward incorporating the area into the city's water and wastewater service areas, which currently do not extend to this parcel.

Lee Muniz, the city's engineering services manager, presented the MDP, which is part of the larger Corley Tract that spans 160 acres. The tract is divided into three zoning districts: neighborhood residential, mixed-use village, and logistics. The MDP aims to facilitate the development of residential lots, townhomes, and commercial buildings while ensuring compliance with existing zoning regulations.

The proposed residential area will feature 216 townhomes, including an age-restricted section, and will be complemented by amenities such as walking trails, parks, and an amenity center. The commercial component is designed to support local services, including medical offices and educational institutions. Access to the development will be provided via Ralph Air Road and Dietz Elkhorn Road, with a traffic impact study required to assess the implications of increased traffic.

Key to the approval process is the incorporation of the parcel into the city's Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) for water and wastewater services. The council previously supported this incorporation, contingent upon the approval of the MDP. The plan allows for a maximum of 139 water and 137 wastewater service units, which are essential for the proposed development.

The council recommended several conditions for the MDP's approval, including capping water usage, connecting to the city's water system at two points, completing a floodplain study, and executing a service agreement that adheres to the designated service units. These measures are intended to ensure that the development aligns with the city's infrastructure capabilities and regulatory standards.

Looking ahead, the next steps involve drafting a water and wastewater service agreement, submitting an application for CCN incorporation to the Public Utility Commission, and initiating the planning process for the development. This project represents a significant advancement in the city's efforts to manage growth and infrastructure development, addressing the increasing demand for housing and services in Fair Oaks Ranch.