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Planning commission recommends Independence Filing 5 final plat after lengthy presentation and discussion; vote 4–3
Summary
The commission voted 4–3 to recommend approval of Independence Filing 5 (final plat FP‑2024‑7515), a 162‑lot addition to the Independence PUD. Applicant representatives highlighted infrastructure investments, reclaimed water for irrigation, and phased road improvements tied to the development.
The Elbert County Planning Commission recommended approval, by a 4–3 vote, of Independence Filing 5 (FP‑2024‑7515), a final plat adding 162 lots to the Independence planned unit development. The filing covers roughly 71 of the project’s cited 377 acres and includes nearly 20 acres of open space for the filing.
Kelsey Lanham, planner for Elbert County, told commissioners the filing is served by the Independence Water and Sanitation District and the Division of Water Resources found the district has adequate water to serve the additional lots. Lanham said agency reviewers raised no outstanding objections and that the proposed lots would remain under the PUD global maximum of 1,400 dwelling units.
Representatives for the developer discussed infrastructure already in place and under construction. Mark Kiefer of Norris Design described site drainage, low‑impact development techniques and trail connections. Jim Yates and consultant Mark Kiefer said the project has invested in public works including major paving and drainage work on Delbert Road and County Road 158. The developer’s team said the sewer plant and water reuse investments total roughly $20 million to date and that reclaimed water is used for irrigation and open space maintenance.
Commissioners questioned traffic, sidewalk design and timing of a subdivision improvements agreement (SIA). Commissioner Nicole Hunt asked about the traffic study and emergency‑service staffing: applicants said temporary additional staffing was provided while road work was underway and that Delbert Road improvements were intended to reduce emergency‑service response times. Commissioners also discussed whether the county should see the subdivision improvements agreement before the BOCC hearing; staff said the county attorney was preparing a more standardized form and that execution typically follows final approvals.
On the roll call for the motion to recommend approval the commission recorded: Didi Schott Grace — aye; John Gresham — aye; Nicole Hunt — nay; Kyle DiNardo — aye; Dan McCallum — aye; Diana Edstrom — no; Kevin Kirkwood — (stated alignment with some objections). The chair announced a 4–3 result in favor of recommendation. The case will move to the Board of County Commissioners for final action on Aug. 27.
Why it matters: Filing 5 extends utilities, roads and housing capacity within Independence and triggers infrastructure commitments (road, water, wastewater, reclaimed irrigation) that affect multiple county services and neighboring properties.
What’s next: The commission forwarded a recommendation to the BOCC; a subdivision improvements agreement and final plat recordation will be required if the BOCC approves the filing.
