Commission approves amended preliminary plat for Toll at Presada Unit L, adds 50 lots

The City of Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 16 approved an amended preliminary plat titled "Toll at Presada, Unit L, Phase 3" (Case FS241016) that increases the number of lots in Unit L.

Staff said the amended preliminary plat reduces the previously approved four lot products to two (45‑foot and 50‑foot lots in lot category E) and increases the unit count in Unit L from 124 lots to 174 lots, an increase of 50 lots. According to staff, that change would bring the total number of dwelling units within the Toll Brothers portion of Lake Village to 2,031, which staff said remains below the 2,207 maximum approved for the development. Staff also reported that the proposed plat provides approximately 3 acres of open space for Unit L, up from about 1.6 acres in the previously approved plat. Landscaping is consistent with the overall development and the plat retains previously approved wall and view‑fence plans.

Staff recounted the project history: the original preliminary plat for Toll at Presada was approved by city council in April 2018; the commission approved a preliminary plat for Unit L in September 2022; city council approved the final plat for Unit L in April 2023; and the applicant filed this amended preliminary plat in July 2024. The applicant was not present at the Jan. 16 hearing; staff was available to answer questions.

Commission discussion centered on density and community character. Chair Holland said he is “not in favor” of the increased lot packing and said he is “really hesitant” because he believes the change affects health, safety and the character of the community by increasing congestion, though he acknowledged that the city’s Land Development Ordinance constrains the commission’s grounds for denial. The commission approved the amended preliminary plat subject to stipulations A through C. The record shows the motion passed with four votes in favor.

The plat calls for access to Unit L from Unit K (Sausalito Drive) to the south and Unit M (Julian Street) to the east; staff said the roadway alignments are being amended while access point locations remain as previously approved. Staff said the unit’s landscaping will use low‑water‑use plants and that the plat includes open space amenities such as seating areas and a shade pavilion.