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Commission denies development plat for landlocked Sir Duncan property over emergency-access concerns
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission denied a development plat for the Sir Duncan property after staff recommended denial because the parcel is landlocked and lacks adequate public access; the applicant said he is pursuing a private emergency-access easement from a neighboring cemetery.
The City of Anna Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously May 5 to deny a development plat for “Sir Duncan City Block A Lot 1,” citing public-safety and access concerns.
City staff recommended denial because the site is effectively landlocked and the applicant requested multiple waivers from subdivision requirements, including waivers involving block/street length and frontage requirements. Staff said the lack of legal public access and the number of structures proposed without adequate public access raised concerns under sections the staff cited (section 9.02 0.087 B, section 9.02 0.081 C1 and C6).
The applicant, who identified himself as Jason and gave his address as 13970 County Road 480, told commissioners the property is “basically landlocked” between a county camp on the east and a cemetery on the west and said his plan depends on securing a private emergency-access easement from the cemetery. “Of course, it all hinges on if we can get that easement or not,” Jason said. He said the development plan includes a mix of houses and tiny homes and that some units would be used to house families leaving abusive situations.
Commissioners repeatedly questioned the single current access point to the property. One commissioner summarized the concern: “There’s only 1 way in, 1 way out,” and said that without an additional, reliable route the commission could not recommend approval. Another commissioner noted that the applicant’s existing private access is a driveway/private easement rather than a public road, and converting it to a public road would require additional dedication and cost.
A motion to deny was made and seconded by Commissioner Longmire; the denial passed 7–0.
Because the applicant indicated his plan depends on obtaining a third-party easement, the commission’s denial leaves open the possibility the applicant could return with revised plans that provide a legal option for two points of public ingress/egress and meet subdivision standards.
Votes at a glance: Motion to deny development plat for Sir Duncan City Block A Lot 1 — mover: unnamed commissioner; second: Commissioner Longmire; outcome: denied, 7 yes, 0 no.
