Commission approves Blackbird Heights and Gipple's Second final plats; outlot tied to stormwater and restricted

Bettendorf's Plan and Zone Commission approved two related final plats on March 19: Blackbird Heights (Case 25-005) and Gipple's Second Edition (Case 25-006). Staff recommended approval of both plats following presentation and discussion.

Taylor, a staff member presenting the cases, described that Blackbird Heights replats Lot 1 of Highland Ridge Third Edition into four developable lots and one outlot to the west; those four lots will take direct access from Blackbird Lane and will not have direct access to Forest Grove Drive or Cardinal Lane. Gipple's Second Edition reorganizes the applicant Todd Gipple's property and the newly subdivided area to expand a developable lot for Mr. Gipple and to transfer ownership of the stormwater outlot west of the lots.

Taylor said the area is designated Neighborhood Light in the future land use map and is zoned R-1, consistent with surrounding neighborhoods. Staff explained the prior undevelopable lot resulted from grading and stormwater design constraints; new grading and stormwater calculations were submitted to make the current replat developable. Taylor also confirmed the small detention pond shown on the plat will drain only the four new Blackbird Heights lots and that the larger drainage flows to a drainage feature to the southwest that the city owns.

Commissioners asked whether grading and road construction were underway and whether building permits could be issued now. Taylor said road construction (the roadway dedication and right-of-way) has been completed in adjacent phases but building permits for the newly subdivided lots cannot be issued until required road construction and administrative recording steps are finished; grading and material staging can occur on the site in the interim. Taylor also said the outlot is recorded with plat notes that restrict development: "No development shall occur" on the outlot except as identified in the plat notes (stormwater infrastructure), and the land remains zoned R-1.

Commissioner questions about whether an owner of an outlot could use the land for other activities led staff to clarify that R-1 zoning and plat notes restrict uses and the city expects the outlot to remain for stormwater/ancillary purposes; Mr. Gipple has discussed plans for one ancillary structure (a detached garage) that staff said would be allowable. The commission moved and seconded approval of Case 25-005 and Case 25-006, each subject to staff recommendations; both motions carried by voice vote.