The Highlands Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 21 recommended city council approval of the final plat and tree mitigation plan for Magnolia Village, a 4.351-plus-acre subdivision that will create 25 patio-home lots.

Autumn Amen, community development coordinator, told the commission this final plat is the last step in the review process and, once approved by city council, will become the permanent record for the property. Amen said the final plat generally matches the preliminary plat with only minor tweaks — including the addition of a note and signature lines — and that staff and the city engineer have reviewed the proposal for compliance with the PD ordinance, subdivision regulations, and drainage and utility requirements. "Based on our review, we're in the opinion the application does comply with city subdivision regulations and the PD ordinance," Amen said.

The plat includes sidewalks within the development and along Barnett Boulevard, and assigns street names. Amen described a tree mitigation plan showing trees to remain along the western property line and other trees proposed for removal.

Commissioners noted the changes from the preliminary plat were minimal and asked no substantive questions. The commission moved to recommend city council approval of the final plat and the tree mitigation plan as submitted; members indicated "aye" and the motion passed.

The recommendation will be forwarded to city council for final action and recording. Staff noted that, once council approves the final plat, the developer may complete the final platting process with required signatures and recordings.