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Leander commission recommends rezoning of 10-acre parcel at 551 Private Road 920 after residents raise traffic and drainage concerns
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of rezoning case Z‑24‑0151 to change a 10‑acre parcel at 551 Private Road 920 from single‑family rural to single‑family suburban, despite residents’ concerns about drainage and traffic.
The City of Leander Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday voted to recommend approval of zoning case Z‑24‑0151, a request to change the zoning of a 10‑acre parcel at 551 Private Road 920 (Williamson CAD parcel R318556) from SFR‑1‑B (Single Family Rural) to SFS‑2‑A (Single Family Suburban). The applicant proposes to develop an intermediate suburban single‑family subdivision; staff said the request conforms to the city’s comprehensive plan.
Planning Department staffer Michael Chaunowski told the commission the proposal “does comply with the comprehensive plan” and that the property would access Raider Way, a collector planned to extend north to RM 2243 and to San Gabriel Parkway. Chaunowski said the application was revised with the applicant to change the requested site and architectural components to better match adjacent subdivisions.
The public hearing drew extensive comment from nearby homeowners and community members who opposed the rezoning unless infrastructure concerns are addressed. Donna Beard, a volunteer HOA board member from Stewart Crossing, told the commission the proposed OASIS development would place “25 to 30 single family homes on 10 acres of land,” and said the developer had met with neighbors and toured other projects. Anita Chomnovich, representing Marbella residents, said 30 of 32 homes within 200 feet of the parcel signed a petition opposing the change and urged the commission to retain current zoning until a comprehensive stormwater master plan is complete. Other speakers cited repeated drainage problems, an HOA estimate of about $41,000 in stormwater repairs, and worries that expanding Raider Way could increase traffic and make the road a cut‑through for commuters and school traffic.
Several residents also noted proximity to Rouse High School and Wylie Middle School and raised safety concerns for pedestrians and students. A number of speakers asked for a data‑driven cumulative traffic study before additional development proceeds.
Commissioners discussed the record at length. Vice Chair Colon said his vote must be based on the comprehensive plan, adding, “my decision has to be based on the comprehensive plan.” Commissioner Morales noted SFS (single family suburban) is lower density than some surrounding zones and that the applicant was proposing the city’s higher architectural standard. Commissioner Mahan and others reviewed lot‑size math and said the proposal equates to roughly three homes per acre on the 10‑acre parcel — a density the commissioners said is consistent with surrounding development patterns. Staff explained that, if rezoned, subsequent steps would include a concept plan, preliminary plat, and construction plans that would address drainage and detention requirements.
Vice Chair Colon moved to recommend approval and Commissioner Lantrip seconded. The commission approved the recommendation and will forward the rezoning request to city council for final action.
No final plat or construction approvals were granted tonight; staff said detailed drainage and utility work would be reviewed in the plat and engineering phases required after zoning approval.
