The Olive Branch Planning Commission on a unanimous vote recommended rezoning two parcels totaling about 28.6 acres from AR (agricultural residential) to R‑1 (single‑family) and approved a preliminary plat to subdivide the land into 71 single‑family lots.

Planning staff told commissioners the change would allow minimum lots of 12,500 square feet and that the proposal conforms to the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan designation of the area as suburban neighborhood. Planning staff said utilities (water, sewer and gas) are available but will need to be extended by the developer.

The developer, represented by Corey Brady and Chance Walker of Smith Walker Engineering, emphasized the plan’s compliance and said the homes will have a minimum of 2,000 square feet of heated area. “We are offering an elevated minimum heated floor area above and beyond what is typical in the area,” Brady said.

Residents who live near Hamilton Circle, Hummingbird Drive and Ivy Trail urged commissioners to slow or reconsider the proposal. Jeanette Owens said, “I speak in opposition to the construction of 71 new homes. I believe this development would result in a significant loss of natural habitat for local wildlife.” Bobby Barrett described traffic and safety problems on Hamilton Circle and said additional subdivisions would worsen a road he called dangerous: “More and more traffic is just it's a nightmare.” Barbara Blake urged the city to consider widening roads and noted a long history of vehicle crashes near the area.

Commissioners and staff discussed engineering and layout details. The developer agreed to revise the preliminary plat to provide a hammerhead turnaround and to meet the International Fire Code. Staff’s recommended conditions include tree‑planting requirements (generally one to two deciduous trees in front yards and two on corner lots), a 25‑foot green buffer with a 6‑foot cedar fence and brick columns where the subdivision abuts larger estate lots, at least one common recreational amenity in the subdivision, and draft covenants, conditions and restrictions to be reviewed with the final plat.

The planning commission approved the rezoning and the preliminary plat with conditions, and with an explicit discussion about garage configuration. Condition 8 in staff materials would require side‑ or rear‑loaded garages; the developer asked for flexibility, saying “the word ‘all’ creates somewhat of a practical difficulty.” Commissioners approved the preliminary plat subject to staff conditions 1–7 and 9–13, and added that if the Board of Mayor and Aldermen declines to require side/rear garages developers should include a provision in the HOA covenants discouraging on‑street parking.

The planning commission's votes forward the rezoning recommendation and the preliminary plat to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for final action. If the board approves, the developer must complete required construction plans, satisfy the conditions of approval and record a final plat before building permits are issued.