Commission approves subdivision of Fiesta Home lot and grants sewer‑waiver amid neighbors’ objections

The City of Central planning commission approved a subdivision request to split Lot 8 of the Fiesta Home Subdivision into three parcels (8A, 8B and 8C) and granted a waiver of the requirement to connect to public sewer for the parcels, the commission confirmed on Aug. 28.

The owners, David and Lisa Metcalfe, represented on the record by applicant Curtis Chaney, proposed subdividing a roughly 2.5‑acre parcel into three residential lots. Curtis Chaney said the lots meet the city’s R‑1 minimum lot‑size requirements; the applicant did not request a zoning change.

Nearby residents opposed the subdivision and the sewer waiver at the public hearing. Jennifer Bradley, whose home is catty‑corner from the site at 9637 Arlene Avenue, said she opposed the subdivision and the requested changes to roof‑pitch rules; she said the subdivision would increase traffic and crime and reduce property values. Diana Calvino joined the opposition.

Commission discussion focused on sewer access and technical constraints. Staff confirmed public sewer lies across the street and that the longest distance to the nearest main for Lot 8C would be about 350 feet; commissioners asked whether the lots could bore under the road to connect and whether on‑site systems (mound or septic systems) were appropriate. Owner David Metcalf said he believed each new lot would likely use an individual on‑site system (the transcript used the term “modet”/“modem” interchangeably); he said a plumber had not yet confirmed details.

Commissioners also discussed the city’s standards: the R‑1 minimum is a half‑acre lot; the proposal divides approximately 2.5 acres into three lots and therefore meets minimum lot‑size requirements. Several commissioners said they would prefer two lots but concluded the proposal met code requirements. A motion to approve the subdivision with the sewer waiver passed on roll call; one voting member recorded a no vote and the rest voted yes.

The commission included a comment in the motion that the City Council should consider code language clarifying when boring beneath a roadway may be required or allowed for sewer connections.

Next steps: The subdivision and sewer‑waiver approval advances to the City Council as required; the applicant must finalize any required on‑site sewage system designs and obtain necessary permits before building permits are issued.