Commission denies two‑lot Bola Gabrielle subdivision because sewer service is not available

The La Verne Planning Commission on Aug. 26 denied a final plat application to divide a 5.04‑acre parcel on Hollandaelle Road into two lots, after legal counsel told the commission the subdivision regulations require sewer availability or an approved septic alternative and that state guidance indicates sewer would not be compatible with the site.

Planning staff presented the Bola Gabrielle subdivision, which proposed two lots (Lot 1 to contain an existing house and Lot 2 as a larger flag lot). Staff said the applicants had satisfied the technical criteria for a recordable plat except for the lack of sewer service for one of the proposed lots and recommended legal review.

Legal counsel advised the commission that two provisions of the subdivision regulations prohibit approval: “sections 2‑105.1 subsection 10 and 3‑104.3 subsection 3,” both addressing availability of sewer or an acceptable septic alternative. Counsel said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) had opined that a sewer system would not be compatible with the site and warned that approving the plat would render the lot undevelopable. Counsel recommended denial: “So for that reason, I would recommend that the planning commission not or deny this request.”

A commissioner moved to deny the plat citing the two subdivision provisions quoted by counsel; another commissioner seconded. The motion passed by voice vote; commissioners answered “aye” and the chair announced the motion passed. The record does not include a roll‑call tally.

An applicant who spoke at the meeting said they had expected to resolve issues after the workshop and expressed surprise that approval was not possible. The commission did not direct staff to pursue any alternative approvals; the denial was based on the cited subdivision regulations and the stated incompatibility with sewer service.