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Ellis County OKs 40‑foot entrance spacing variance for Whispering Creek Preserve after resident raises flooding and traffic concerns
Summary
The commissioners approved a 40‑foot variance to reduce required spacing between subdivision entrances from 600 to 560 feet for Whispering Creek Preserve; residents raised concerns about drainage and cut‑through traffic during discussion.
Ellis County Commissioners Court voted May 13 to grant a variance reducing the required minimum spacing between two subdivision entrances from 600 feet to 560 feet for Whispering Creek Preserve, a 131.862‑acre, 70‑lot development near Youngblood Road and FM 878.
Alberto Matas of the county’s Department of Development told the court the applicant’s third‑party engineering review found the two driveway centerlines were 560 feet apart and staff recommended approval of the 40‑foot variance. The court had mailed the required notices to nearby property owners and staff recommended approval.
Two nearby residents spoke during public comment. Kevin Cross, who said he lives at 529 Youngblood, told the court the rear of his property floods after major rains and expressed concern about where additional stormwater from new homes would go. “Where's all the water gonna go?” Cross asked. He also said many motorists use Youngblood as a cut‑through from Palmer to Waxahachie and worried additional homes would increase traffic congestion.
County staff and commissioners responded that the plat submission included a hydrology/drainage study now under review and that final civil plans and drainage requirements must be approved before construction or a final plat would be accepted. Commissioner Stinson noted the developer had increased culvert sizes on Youngblood and emphasized that drainage design for the subdivision will be checked during civil plan review.
Commissioner Stinson moved to approve the 40‑foot variance for the two entrances; Commissioner Grayson seconded. The court approved the motion.
County staff noted the variance addressed only entrance spacing and not drainage; staff said the developer must complete civil‑plan drainage work and provide required bonds before the county would accept public maintenance or final platting. Residents were advised to contact county engineering for specifics of the drainage plan once civil plans are available for review.
