Dade City planning board recommends approval of Highland Trails Phase 1 final plat amid neighbors' flooding complaints

The Dade City Planning Board voted to recommend the Highland Trails Phase 1 final plat to the City Commission on a majority vote after hearing several affected neighbors complain that recent site work has increased runoff onto adjacent properties.

The final plat before the board would create 171 single-family lots, an amenities center lot and a retention pond with access off Clinton Avenue; staff said the proposal is consistent with the site's PDH-1 zoning (ordinance 2005-0904), the city's land development regulations and Florida Statute chapter 177. "At this time, staff recommends approval to the city commission of Highland Trails phase 1 final plat as presented," City planner Catherine Ralston told the board.

Why it matters: Approval of a final plat clears the way for the developer to record lots and later apply for building permits; affected neighbors said construction activity and recent grading have already caused flooding and property damage. Board action on a final plat is advisory to the City Commission.

Board deliberations and vote Staff summarized the plat and corrections to the staff report, including the correct unit counts (phase 1: 171 units; total project: 684 units), and noted the plat's…