The Opelika Planning Commission on April considered a slate of subdivision and land-use items and approved several plats, recommended a rezoning to city council and granted a conditional-use approval for a duplex project.

The commission voted to approve preliminary plats for Hidden Lakes (20 single-family lots at the 900 block of Lake Condie Road) and a townhome project at 2410 Cunningham Drive (Highline Subdivision) subject to staff conditions including underground utilities, sidewalks and required easements. The commission also approved a final plat for Village of Waterford Phase 4C (65 single-family lots), final plat approval for Wyndham Gates (16 townhome lots) and final plat approval for Fox Run Phase 5 (multiple single-family and twin lots). Engineering and utility signatures and final as-built documents were to be held until remaining tests and bond items are complete.

The commission recommended a positive rezoning and future-land-use amendment for property owned by PowerPoint Properties LLC, moving the parcel from a manufacturing land-use and M-1 zoning toward C-2 office/retail designation, with staff noting the change would better buffer adjacent residential areas.

On a separate land-use item, the commission approved a conditional-use to allow a duplex at 1300 Spring Drive. Staff recommended exterior materials primarily of brick, stone or fiber-cement siding, foundation landscaping and at least two trees; engineering staff required a combined/shared driveway at the curb. The applicant’s site plan calls for two 1,600-square-foot units and the commission approved the conditional use with staff conditions.

The commission also voted to recommend that the city council vacate an unbuilt right-of-way in the Fox Run Industrial Park; city council will hold the required public hearing and make a final determination.

Most approvals were made by voice vote with the commission saying “Aye” and motions recorded as carrying. Staff will withhold final signatures on plats until engineering has completed outstanding tests and as-built documentation, per standard practice.