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Commission recommends approval of final plat and easement variance at 1289 Ottinger Road after fire and public works review
Summary
The commission voted 4–2 to recommend approval of a final plat to split 5.18 acres at 1289 Ottinger Road into two single‑family lots, granting a variance to allow a 35‑foot access easement that widens farther on the property. Commissioners said Fire/Life Safety reviewed access and public works issues; council review is scheduled for Aug. 5.
The Keller Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday recommended approval, by a 4–2 vote, of a final plat and associated variances that would subdivide about 5.18 acres at 1289 Ottinger Road into two single‑family lots and establish a shared access easement that begins at 35 feet and widens inland.
Planning staff said the proposal creates Lot 1A — a flag lot that does not have frontage on a public roadway — and that the UDC requires a 60‑foot minimum width for access easements. The applicant requested a variance to allow the easement to be 35 feet at the Ottinger Road frontage and to increase to 60 feet farther inside the tract; staff said the application included a variable‑width easement and that the fire department and public works had reviewed the plan.
Applicant representatives told the commission the proposed configuration reflects existing constraints — a pond and areas of poor drainage — and that the practical buildable area sits toward the interior of the parcel. Neighbor Heath Malone, who owns adjacent acreage, told the commission he supported the subdivision and said the access route would cross land he owns; Malone said the arrangement preserves pasture land and would not represent an unexpected change for future buyers because the easement and configuration would be recorded on the plat.
Commission discussion centered on the UDC language governing flag lots and the safety/access standards. Staff and the applicant said Fire Life Safety had reviewed the access geometry and that the variable width (35 feet at the frontage widening to 60 feet where needed for turnaround) met the department’s concerns for emergency access. Some commissioners expressed concern that online copies of the UDC language and the application packet contained differing text (an editorial issue about “and” vs. “or” in the code language regarding flag lot criteria) and asked staff to verify the code citation for council.
Commissioner Brensinger moved to recommend approval; Commissioner Farner seconded. The motion passed 4–2. The commission’s recommendation and supporting materials will be forwarded to City Council for consideration on Aug. 5.
