Southlake panel approves plat for two Becker lots, waives immediate sidewalk requirement

The City of Southlake Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 21 approved plat ZA25-0053 for Lots 19 and 20 in the Becker subdivision and granted a variance allowing no sidewalks along Woodsey Court, while recommending that funds for future sidewalk construction be escrowed and considered by the City Council.

Staff told the commission the applicant sought the plat showing for properties at 1207 and 1209 Woodsey Court and asked for a variance from the subdivision ordinance—which requires a minimum 5-foot sidewalk—to allow none. The staff presentation said the request was based on the absence of sidewalks along Woodsey Court, existing bar ditches between the road and property fences, and stormwater runoff constraints.

Commissioners discussed the practicalities of requiring sidewalks where none exist and raised concerns about the cost and feasibility of constructing sidewalks adjacent to existing bar ditches. One commissioner suggested recommending that City Council require escrowed funds for potential future sidewalk installation rather than mandating immediate construction. Staff confirmed the commission s recommendation would be that the council consider an escrow arrangement and not that the commission itself require construction at this time.

There was no applicant in attendance. The motion to approve the plat and include a recommendation that funds for future sidewalk installation be escrowed passed 5-0.

What happens next: The commission's approval and its recommendation concerning escrow will be forwarded to the City Council for final action. The staff report and the plat review summary cited in the motion are dated Aug. 21, 2025.