Planning commission approves Arcadia Estates sections 3 and 4 preliminary plats with infrastructure condition

The Pearland Planning and Zoning Commission on June 16 recommended approval of preliminary plats for Arcadia Estates Section 3 and Section 4, subject to a condition that ties final platting to completion or formal agreement on regional infrastructure improvements.

Staff recommended approval of both preliminary plats after describing the sections and noting each includes reserves and amenity lakes. Patrick, a city planner, told the commission that Section 3 contains 27 single-family lots and three reserves and that Section 4 contains 49 single-family lots on about 19.17 acres, including one amenity lake and a drill site. “For this section, staff recommends approval of the preliminary plat,” Patrick said during the staff report.

Commissioners and staff said the approvals should be conditioned because sections 3 and 4 rely on regional roadway, drainage and waterline improvements that have not yet been finalized. Katja, a staff planner, said staff had “crafted two conditions” and recommended either (a) that final plat submittal be withheld until regional infrastructure improvements are completed or (b) that a development agreement be executed addressing those improvements before final platting.

Developers’ representatives said they are prepared to begin design work on frontage and waterline improvements in front of the tracts and expect to execute agreements as needed. Attorney/agent Trey Lang told the commission the team is “about to be under contract to start design of infrastructure improvements in front of this tract,” including roadway and waterline work.

Commissioner Trey Haskins moved to approve Section 3 with staff conditions; Commissioner John McDonald seconded. The commission then separately approved Section 4; Haskins moved and Commissioner Tommy Echols seconded. Both motions passed, 5-0.

The commission and staff said the conditions are intended to ensure that residents of the new sections will have completed, city-standard infrastructure or a binding schedule and security that requires buildout of regional improvements before lot sales. The applicant may return with a development agreement or similar instrument to satisfy the condition prior to final plat filing.

The approvals permit civil design to proceed on the internal streets and lots, but do not allow final plat recordation until the infrastructure condition is satisfied.

Minutes show the commission took the vote after the staff presentation and applicant comment; the city will consider related development agreements and final plats at later steps in the process.