The Planning Commission recommended approval of Powder Creek Properties’ request to rezone roughly 47.56 acres from A‑1 agricultural to R‑1 rural residential to allow development of 21 single‑family homes on on‑site septic systems.

A representative for Powder Creek (applicant) said the builder intends to offer larger, custom‑style homes (estimated starting prices in the mid‑$400,000s to $600,000s range) on one‑acre lots rather than smaller half‑acre starter homes. The applicant also requested a variance to ease the 100‑foot public road frontage requirement for lots on cul‑de‑sacs and explained the request is to preserve usable buildable area at the house building line.

Neighbors and other residents raised concerns about traffic safety along Pine Shadows Drive (which carries about 2,400 vehicles per day), proximity to lakes and wetlands, stormwater management, school capacity and long‑term impacts on property values. Brad Benson and Ricky Bailey, among others, asked about setbacks from the lake, potential trespass and liability from new homes close to water, and whether a turn lane or other road improvements would be required. The applicant said state waters run along the rear property line and that the plan provides a separate detention facility (not using the lake) and that many of the wetland and flood constraints leave some land permanently undeveloped.

During discussion commissioners negotiated additional stipulations with the applicant, including a minimum heated living area of 1,800 square feet, a voluntary cap that no more than 10% of homes be in a rental program, and a six‑foot fence along lots 1–6 to be designed in coordination with adjacent landowners to address safety concerns near the lake. Commissioner Steele moved to approve the rezoning with staff stipulations and the additional three stipulations and to approve the requested variance for cul‑de‑sac frontage; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Callahan. After a split vote the chair cast the tie‑breaking vote in favor; the motion carried and the item will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners on September 9 for final action.

The applicant agreed to meet with adjacent landowners before the Board hearing and to work with staff on final plan review items including sight‑distance, potential turn lane requirements, stormwater, and soil/septic testing results.