Planning commission approves preliminary plat for Riverbend Acres addition near Arkansas River

The Sedgwick County Planning Commission on June 19 approved the preliminary plat for the Riverbend Acres addition, an 18.6-acre subdivision proposed for unincorporated Sedgwick County immediately east of Hancock Acres and north of Maddox Arena near the Arkansas River.

The commission authorized the applicant to proceed with preparation of a final plat, voting 8-0 to approve the preliminary plat subject to staff comments and continued coordination with the county stormwater engineer.

City planner Everett Haynes said the parcel would be subdivided into seven single-family lots and noted the site’s proximity to the Arkansas River and mapped FEMA AH flood zone, a shallow 1% flood hazard area. "This is the property highlighted in blue there... the east tip of this triangular property is within what's called the FEMA AH zone," Haynes said, and he described the AH zone as an area where shallower, more predictable ponding is mapped compared with other 1% flood hazard areas.

Haynes told the commission staff recommended several modifications to subdivision standards for this property because the river and adjacent equestrian arena constrain street connections. Staff recommended exceptions for block length (the proposed block measures about 1,700 feet with an approximate 4,000-foot perimeter) and for cul-de-sac length (proposed as about 625 feet, exceeding the 300-foot limit in the regulations). He said staff also recommended a 30-foot building setback to accommodate combined drainage and utility easements.

The commission and staff discussed stormwater and site elevations. Haynes said the preliminary plan’s minimum pad elevation for homes was too low given groundwater issues near the river and that Hancock Acres homes in the area have experienced periodic basement flooding from ground-water infiltration. He said county engineers and city staff have not approved the drainage plan and additional information is required.

Josh White, agent for Kate Miller Engineering, said the applicant had revised the drainage plan in response to county comments and had raised the proposed minimum pad elevation after receiving county data. "We have worked through all of the county engineers' drainage comments. I have a revised drainage plan sitting here in front of me that I have not sent out yet," White said. He confirmed the applicant is willing to plot the mapped flood area as a floodway easement rather than a separately owned reserve if that is preferred.

Utility service for the lots remains to be clarified. White said water would be provided by wells and that lots are only large enough for advanced wastewater or septic systems; he said the subdivision would not use lagoon systems. Haynes said the plat is not proposing municipal sewer service and that the applicant must clarify the proposed sanitary system and water service on the final plat.

Staff also relayed review comments from Sedgwick County stormwater staff, who requested additional or widened drainage easements at the rear and front of lots and further information about the cul-de-sac-end easement. Evergy requested a front easement for utilities, Haynes said.

The commission’s approval included authority for the applicant to prepare the final plat and an expectation that the applicant continue coordinating with the county stormwater engineer and city staff to resolve outstanding drainage, easement labeling (floodway easement vs. floodway reserve), elevation, and utility questions before filing the final plat.

Votes at a glance: The commission approved the June 5 meeting minutes (vote recorded as eight in favor, four abstentions) and later approved the Riverbend Acres preliminary plat, 8-0. The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote (8-0).

The commission noted there will be no meeting July 3 because of the holiday; its next regular meeting is scheduled for July 17, when multiple items are expected.