Manor P&Z approves preliminary plat amendment for Manor Heights Phases 4 and 5, shifting lots from alley-load to front-load

The City of Manor Planning and Zoning Commission approved a preliminary plat amendment for Manor Heights Phases 4 and 5 that modifies lot configurations and converts portions of the development from alley-loaded housing to front-loaded single-family lots. The amendment covers 182 lots on about 24.33 acres near the intersection of Liberty Bell Boulevard and Oak Crenshaw Road, as described in the agenda.

Staff said the subdivision amendment is nondiscretionary and found in compliance with city ordinance. Developers and their engineer told commissioners the change is being made in response to market demand: Jeremy Rogers of Kimley Horn said townhomes were not marketable at present and that the product would shift to wider single-family lots with front-loaded garages.

Staff explained that design standards, development-agreement requirements and façade/garage-protrusion limits remain applicable and will be enforced at building-plan review. Rogers and one developer representative described on-site “parking pockets” intended to reduce street parking and accommodate visitors given narrower frontage between driveways in some sections. Commissioners discussed right-of-way widths — staff pointed to sections with 64-foot and 50-foot rights of way — and questioned how removing on-street parking in some stretches might affect vehicle speeds and driveway operations.

Because staff had determined the plat complied with ordinance and the item was nondiscretionary, commissioners limited their review to clarifying questions about setbacks, parking, and circulation. After discussion, a motion to approve the preliminary plat amendment was made, seconded and passed by a vote of the commission.