Council approves Knights Ridge preliminary plat with cul-de-sac variance; developer plans 2.5‑acre lots
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Summary
Argyle Council approved the Knights Ridge preliminary plat (PP25.002), a 72‑acre, 2.5‑acre‑lot subdivision, and granted a variance to allow an approximately 1,200‑foot cul‑de‑sac where the subdivision code limits cul‑de‑sacs to 600 feet.
Argyle Town Council approved the preliminary plat for “Knights Ridge” (PP25.002), a proposed 72‑acre single‑family subdivision on the town’s east side (west of FM 1830, south of Hickory Hill). The applicant seeks 2.5‑acre lots consistent with the SF‑2.5 zoning; the council granted a variance to the subdivision ordinance’s maximum cul‑de‑sac length (600 feet) to permit a longer cul‑de‑sac of about 1,200 feet.
Why it matters: The filing is the latest proposal for a large residential tract that had prior, different proposals (earlier one-acre-lot proposal was withdrawn); the decision affects neighbors concerned about drainage, tree removal and emergency access.
What staff reported
Planner testimony noted the plat otherwise met ordinance standards for setbacks, lot sizes and access; staff and the applicant worked through tree survey and mitigation questions. The applicant provided a tree survey showing which trees would be preserved and which would be removed for roads and stormwater detention. Staff said mitigation options (on‑site replacement, reforestation fund payment or relocation) were available under Article 5 and that the developer planned to meet mitigation obligations. The town routed the plat to Denton County Emergency Service District No. 1; staff reported the district reviewed the proposal and did not object to the cul‑de‑sac length provided hydrant coverage and a larger turning bulb were included.
Public comment and council action
Town staff and the applicant (Kona Capital) described the product as a gated, custom‑home neighborhood of large lots. Several neighbors raised questions about drainage and asked staff and the developer to meet with them; the applicant agreed and offered to meet with concerned residents after the decision. Planning & Zoning recommended approval (6‑0) and the council subsequently approved the preliminary plat and the requested cul‑de‑sac variance.
Technical notes
- The applicant’s tree survey identified specimen and majestic trees and calculated mitigation requirements; staff recorded a mitigation requirement (caliper inches) that the developer must satisfy per Article 5. - Staff noted the cul‑de‑sac bulb and hydrant placement would be designed to meet emergency‑access turning requirements and that final engineering and a final plat will return to the town for technical permitting.
Next steps
The approval of the preliminary plat allows the applicant to prepare engineering and a final plat; final permits and site grading must show compliance with tree‑preservation mitigation, drainage controls and intersection/cul‑de‑sac specifications before building permits are issued. The developer committed to meet with neighbors regarding drainage questions.
Ending
Council’s approval advances a 2.5‑acre‑lot custom subdivision concept while requiring the developer to finalize engineering and mitigation details at final plat and grading stages.
