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Council approves 17‑unit Heritage Towns at Waddell preliminary plat; 2‑year vesting begins
Summary
The council approved a 17‑unit townhome preliminary plat (S‑25‑3) in the R8 district with a single staff condition and set the two‑year vested rights period to begin that night. The project follows an earlier special‑use permit approval.
The Town of Smithfield council approved the preliminary plat for Heritage Towns at Waddell (case S‑25‑3), a 17‑unit townhome development on 1.88 acres zoned R8, subject to one standard condition tying final construction plan approval to compliance with the town’s prior special‑use permit and the Unified Development Ordinance.
Why it matters: The development will create three townhouse buildings (3, 6 and 8 units), with garages and parking in a central courtyard to be held as common area under a homeowners association. The council also clarified that the two‑year vesting period for the project begins the night of approval.
What was presented: Planning Director Steven Winsman noted the special‑use permit for townhomes had previously been approved and the current plat implements that approval. The developer, Sam O’Brien, said construction plans were “close to being approved” and that the design includes relocated sanitary sewer lines, a stormwater pond and sidewalks. Winsman recommended a single staff condition that construction plans meet UDO and special‑use permit conditions.
Council action: The council voted to approve the preliminary plat with the single staff condition and vested rights beginning that evening. The motion passed (vote recorded as affirmative). Staff recommended the two‑year vesting period begin at approval to remove ambiguity about vested rights timing.
Next steps: The developer must submit final construction drawings and obtain staff approval and any required permits before site work begins. The HOA will maintain common areas and amenities, and trash pickup will use rollout containers with a screening requirement if containers are not stored in garages.
