Neighbors oppose replat that would combine golf-course parcel with residential lot in Sky Lakes

A public hearing at the Waller County Commissioner’s Court drew several Sky Lakes residents who urged the court to deny a replat that would combine a parcel of the former golf course, labeled Reserve B, with a neighboring residential lot (Lot 103, Block 6).

Residents’ concerns and what they told the court Multiple residents and the Sky Lakes Section 2 building committee said the replat could run afoul of recorded deed restrictions that were drafted when the subdivision was created and which the building committee said were intended to reserve the adjoining land for golf-course uses. Sky Lakes representatives said the restrictions include language that limits transfers or uses of golf-course parcels and that the parcel’s current use and improvements were inconsistent with subdivision bylaws.

Neighbors reported specific problems they said already existed on Reserve B and on the combined parcel: - A large metal shop-style building (described by the property owners as a nonresidential “shop”) that neighbors say was constructed without committee approval and that, they argued, does not meet Sky Lakes’ exterior and construction standards. - A porta-potty and what residents described as poor maintenance of the Reserve B land; neighbors said the lot’s condition and the gravel/asphalt driveway across utility easements harm adjacent properties and property values. - Septic and water connections: residents said the parcel had crossed utility lines and driveway work covered drain lines; they had contacted the county environmental office and reported the issue.

Owners’ response Patrick and Sarah Knoll, the owners seeking the replat, told the court they bought a parcel of the former golf course years after the golf course had been sold and separately purchased a neighboring lot in Sky Lakes. They said their intent in seeking a replat was to allow a septic-system tie-in and to provide a larger rear yard for their children. The owners described the metal building as a shop used for classic-car storage and occasional hosting; they said it was never intended or used as a residence.

Court action and next steps The public hearing was opened and closed; the court did not vote on the replat at that meeting. The judge indicated item 45 would be withdrawn from the agenda and that the parties and the building committee should work through outstanding issues before the matter returns to court. County staff and counsel are expected to review the technical issues raised during testimony (septic permitting, easement encroachments and whether deed restrictions apply), and the building committee said it would pursue enforceable remedies and consult its attorney.

Why it matters The dispute pits community deed restrictions and a homeowners’ association enforcement process against private-property transactions involving formerly commercial golf-course land. Residents warned that approving the replat could set a precedent for additional parceling of the former golf-course land and reduce the association’s ability to enforce community standards.

Speakers (attributed in article) - Patrick and Sarah Knoll (property owners) — described their purchase and said the structure on Reserve B is a shop and not a residence; they said their objective was to obtain proper septic service and a larger backyard for their family. - Verna Shelton and Natalie McKnight (Sky Lakes residents / building committee representatives) — spoke against the replat, citing deed restrictions, alleged violations, a porta-potty and maintenance concerns. - Sipra (Seapra) Boyd (attorney for the Sky Lakes Section 2 building committee) — told the court the building committee believes the replat would "substantially interfere" with the rights of Sky Lakes owners and noted recorded restrictions that reference golf-course use.

Clarifying details - The replat under review would combine Lot 103 with part of Reserve B, a parcel that was previously associated with the Sky Lakes golf course. - Residents said some septic piping and driveway work crossed utility easements and that the building committee had not approved the structure on the Reserve B parcel; the owners said the structure is a nonresidential shop used to store cars and host gatherings. - The court closed the public hearing; the judge signaled the replat item would be withdrawn to allow further review and resolution of technical and legal issues before returning for formal action.

Searchable tags:["plats","replat","Sky Lakes","deed restrictions","septic"]

Provenance:{"transcript_segments":[{"block_id":"s:4018.0798","local_start":0,"local_end":240,"evidence_excerpt":"It is 10:16AM and we will now have a public hearing on the replat of Skylake Subdivision...to amend Lot 103 and Reserve B...that public hearing is now open.","reason_code":"topicintro"},{"block_id":"s:6811.145","local_start":0,"local_end":120,"evidence_excerpt":"It is 11:03 AM and we will conclude the public hearing...45 will be withdrawn...please work this out and come back to the court.","reason_code":"topicfinish"}]}