Commission approves two‑lot resubdivision on Comet Street with planter-strip exception

The El Paso City Plan Commission on Aug. 28 approved a re-subdivision to split an existing residential parcel into two lots at the Diamantina Subdivision X, located west of Gateway South Boulevard and south of Hondo Pass Avenue. Planning staff said the proposed lots are each about 0.1647 acres and that drainage would use the existing underground storm system with access from Comet Street.

Solid Fuentes, planning staff, said the applicant requested one exception under the El Paso City Code to waive a 2.5-foot planter strip along Comet Street in order to match existing conditions. “The exception request meets the criteria under El Paso City Code Title 19,” Fuentes said. Staff reported public notices were published in the El Paso Times and mailed to property owners within 200 feet; by Aug. 27 planning had received one phone call opposing general development in the neighborhood.

Carlos Fragoso, representing the applicant, said the subdivision meets code and asked the commission to approve the application. A nearby resident, Bobby Lloyd, spoke during the public hearing asking whether the split could lead to future tax burdens or commercial rezoning; Fuentes said the property is zoned R-4, which allows single-family or duplex development by right, and staff did not expect commercial uses as part of this resubdivision.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the re-subdivision and the requested planter-strip exception. The action will be forwarded to City Council where required, and permitting and engineering details will be reviewed at the building permit stage.