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Commission approves additional‑use request for townhomes on Cunningham Drive with conditions
Summary
The planning commission approved an additional‑use request that would allow townhomes on roughly 7.8 acres near Cunningham Drive, subject to conditions including sidewalks, landscaping buffers and utility placement; commissioners and staff discussed rear‑loaded garages, landscaping and HOA maintenance.
The Opelika Planning Commission approved an additional‑use request from the Sanford Group to allow townhome development on approximately 7.8 acres near Cunningham Drive, backing up toward High Pack Drive and adjacent to the Peck Woods subdivision.
Staff described an updated site plan showing rear‑alley garage access for many units, an internal loop road connecting to Cunningham Drive and sidewalks on both sides of the new streets. The developer revised elevations to emphasize front porches and street‑facing facades; staff recommended approval subject to conditions including underground utilities, sidewalks on Cunningham Drive, required landscape buffers and HOA maintenance provisions.
Why it matters: The project converts a largely R-4 zoned site into a townhome scheme intended to provide for moderate‑density housing while addressing streetscape aesthetics and buffering to adjacent single‑family properties. The commission’s conditions aim to keep front façades oriented to streets or open space and to prevent tall fences along public streets.
Commission discussion focused on landscaping, front‑yard accessory structures and trees. When asked what would prevent homeowners from placing trampolines or sheds in front yards, staff replied that accessory‑structure rules require such items to be in rear yards and that enforcement would be required. Staff said the revised plan shows roughly 53 trees in the landscaped areas and that the city can work with the applicant to site trees appropriately.
Engineering staff noted standard submittal requirements: a site construction grading plan, erosion control and detention design will be required, and infrastructure must be inspected and permitted before occupancy. The city also expects the developer to enter a development agreement for the right‑of‑way work that will extend High Pack Drive through the site.
Formal action: A motion to approve the additional‑use request with staff recommendations carried by voice vote; the transcript records the motion as approved and the motion carries statement is recorded in the meeting minutes.
Ending: Staff said they will continue to work with the applicant on landscaping details, sidewalk alignment and HOA guidelines; engineering approvals and bonds will be required prior to issuance of construction permits.
