Planning Commission approves Diaz Wathan preliminary plat to split 17-acre Holt Peterson parcel into three lots amid neighbor traffic concerns

The Planning and Zoning Commission on June 16 approved preliminary plat S49-25 (Diaz Wathan Subdivision) to divide about 17.1 acres at and around 4550–5600 Holt Peterson Road into three lots.

City staff said the parcels already contain three residences and existing septic systems; the petition reconfigures lot lines rather than adding new lots that would create new dwellings. Engineering did not object to the requested variances. The petitioner, represented by Bobby Herndon, said the change simply creates separate lots for the existing homes.

Two neighbors spoke in opposition, saying Holt Peterson Road is a narrow, two‑lane dirt road that already experiences heavy traffic, speeding and trash. One resident, Jeff Akers, said the road drains into Hurricane Creek and described a nearby sewer pumping station that can back up during storms. Another resident, Elizabeth Fowler, said dump trucks already use the road and asked the commission to require a privacy fence between adjacent properties.

Commissioners and staff explained county regulations limit the city’s ability to regulate uses on properties outside city limits and noted mobile home/multi‑unit changes would be subject to other regulations and the health department for septic issues. The petitioner and staff reiterated the plat does not authorize new construction and noted the primary effect is to provide separate deeded lots for the three existing homes.

The commission voted to approve the preliminary plat after confirming engineering had no objections and that staff’s checklist and variance findings were satisfied.