Commission approves variance to reduce design speed on Resett Court to limit grading and preserve topography

The Fairview Planning Commission approved a variance request on Feb. 11 to reduce the roadway design speed for Resett Court from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour under the Fairview subdivision regulations, allowing the developer to lessen grading and preserve existing topography and trees (motion carried by recorded vote).

Planning staff explained the request applies to the Reserves on Chester subdivision (Map 42, Parcel 136.02), a single‑family detached residential development proposed to contain 46 lots across 66.21 acres. The plan includes three new public rights‑of‑way; the request concerns a cul‑de‑sac (Resett Court) with a 50‑foot right‑of‑way, curb and gutter, 5½‑foot grass strips and 5‑foot sidewalks on both sides. The proposed cul‑de‑sac length is approximately 150 feet and is intended to provide access to 12 lots.

Staff said the developer cannot meet the K value for a 30‑mph design speed because of existing topography, so the variance is requested from section 4‑106 and table 4‑106B of the Fairview subdivision regulations to allow a lower design speed. The staff report referenced the four standards in section 1‑112 for granting variances and recommended approval, noting the request is tied to unique, steep topography on the parcel and is not a change to road width, sidewalks or other required elements.

Louis Sloyne of T Square Engineering, the applicant’s representative, said the variance “is just kind of an exhibit to show before we did final design on it” and explained that the change would reduce a planned cut from about 12 feet to roughly a 5‑foot cut, thereby limiting disturbance. Sloyne told the commission the development team would post a 20‑mph speed limit on the street; planning staff clarified the posted subdivision speed limit is typically 25 mph while the engineering design uses a 30‑mph design speed as a margin of safety.

Commissioners discussed the slope; staff and the applicant said the final drive slope in the area would increase from roughly 10% to approximately 11.32% but that the reduction in cut and disturbance makes the change preferable. Commissioners noted reduced earthwork would decrease limits of disturbance and likely preserve trees. A motion to approve the variance carried; the record shows the commission voted in favor and moved the project forward under the approved variance.