Commissioners question access, lot density in Lennar's Anderson Farms amendment

The City of Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 13 reviewed a preview amendment from Lennar Homes to the Anderson Farms Phase 1B preliminary plat that would reduce some lot widths and increase the parcel's lot count from 111 to 115.

Commissioners said the proposed change, a five-acre adjustment to 28.65 acres that adds four homes, raised questions about long-term access, stormwater and on-site amenities for children.

The amendment's proponents said the parcel (APN referenced in presentation as 50203015) is currently undeveloped and that the requested change swaps several 50-foot lots to 45-foot lots to yield 115 single-family lots; staff called the change a minor amendment that keeps the development within RS-5 (medium-density residential) zoning. "This is a slight modification," staff member Corin said, "rather than anything that may be seen as an extremity. We will take these guidelines under consideration."

Why it matters: commissioners pressed for the larger buildout context and for details that matter to future residents: secondary access, how the phase fits with already-approved Phase 1A, flood and drainage mitigation, and whether small "amenity" areas will provide play space for small children rather than distant facilities.

Commissioner Rachel asked how squeezing four more houses into the approved footprint would affect livability, saying, "How is that going to impact ... when you look out your window, all you see is the home next door." Commissioner Sharp said the increase was small relative to the prior approval but warned that a larger percentage gain would be more concerning: "If this were a 20% or a 30% increase, I would definitely have more concerns." Commissioner Yoakam and Commissioner Bill were among those who repeatedly pressed staff on ingress and egress, with Yoakam saying, "I'm just concerned about that, ingress and egress. I only see one way in and out."

Staff and commissioners clarified that Phase 1A must be built before Phase 1B and that Phase 1A provides a secondary access point. Staff said they would follow up with the developer to confirm timing and to provide a more complete, built-out schematic when the application returns for action. Commissioners also asked staff to verify tree species (the city discourages palo verde and mesquite in right-of-way plantings) and to identify tot-lot locations and traffic and drainage studies for the later action packet.

No motion was taken; the item was presented as a "discussion only" preview. Staff told the commission it will bring a fuller package for action later that will include transportation and drainage detail and a built-out connectivity map so commissioners and the public can judge how the phases interconnect.

Ending: Staff said it will verify tree species, confirm which roads must be improved by the developer, provide traffic and drainage details, and present a full buildout schematic for the commission at the action hearing.