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Council approves Magnolia Village preliminary plat, questions tree removals and retaining walls
Summary
Highland Village Council approved a 25-lot patio-home preliminary plat for a 4.364-acre tract on Barnett Boulevard but heard questions about protected trees and retaining walls that will require excavation and likely removal of some trees.
The Highland Village City Council on Sept. 9 approved a preliminary plat and tree plan for Magnolia Village, a proposed 25-patio-home development on about 4.364 acres at 102 Barnett Boulevard.
City planner Mr. Christen told the council the application, submitted by DJB Development LLC, proposes 25 single-family patio homes, sidewalks within the development, and sidewalk construction along Barnett Boulevard. The plan calls for each lot to receive a minimum of two 4-inch-caliber magnolia trees. City staff reviewed the application for compliance with local ordinance standards and sent the plan to council following a unanimous Planning & Zoning recommendation.
Councilmembers asked for clarification about the tree protection schedule after noticing several trees marked as "protected" on the submitted tree plan that were nevertheless slated for removal. Christen said a tree shown as protected remains protected unless located within a proposed easement, retaining wall area, lot foundation footprint, or public right of way. He explained several of the protected trees identified for removal appear to fall within the footprint of proposed retaining walls or drainage easements and that excavation for those improvements would likely disturb roots sufficiently to require removal.
Council also confirmed the internal pavement width for Huckleberry, Pinion Pine and Bridal would be 31 feet (back-to-back). After discussion, Councilmember Feaster moved to approve the preliminary plat; the motion was seconded and carried 7-0.
Why it matters: the plat changes the zoning-approved development pattern for the site and includes tree-replacement provisions and public-right-of-way improvements that will affect neighboring properties, sidewalks, and local drainage.
Council action and conditions: council approved the preliminary plat and tree plan on a unanimous vote. City staff and the developer will proceed with final engineering and permitting in accordance with the approved plat and tree-protection map.
