Planning commission recommends against 2-lot split at 509 Benton Road after residents cite neighborhood character concerns

The Edmond Planning Commission on March 24 recommended against a proposed lot split at 509 Benton Road after neighbors said two smaller lots would not match the block’s existing character.

The applicant asked to split an existing 17,500-square-foot lot into two lots of 8,750 square feet each; staff recommended approval. "The case lehi current lot is 17,500 square feet. The applicant is requesting that it be split into 2 lots of 8,750 feet square feet each," city planning staff member Ken told the commission.

Commissioners debated whether the proposed lots would fit the neighborhood. One commissioner said the split would produce the smallest lots on the block and asked how comfortable the commission should be creating two lots that "don't really appear to match the neighborhood." The applicant, speaking at the hearing, said the intent is to build two high-end houses and described the planned homes as about 3,300 square feet each and "about 350 a square foot." (Applicant comment in transcript: "it will be a high end home. It'll it'll be 3,300 square feet. It'll it'll be like 3 50, each side.")

More than half a dozen neighbors spoke against the split. Randy Taylor, who lives at 501 Benton Road, said the change "will change the entire feel and look of that neighborhood" and warned that allowing the split would set a precedent that could lead to "a bunch of row housing." Paula Blackstock of 504 Benton Road described the block as historically important to Edmond and urged the commission to preserve the neighborhood’s one-story ranch and craftsman houses. Other speakers — Daryl Osmas (540 Benton Road), John James (515 Benton Road) and Lizzie Teehee (508 Benton Road) — urged the commission to limit development so it remains consistent with the block’s lot widths, tree canopy and walkable character.

After discussion, a motion to proceed to a vote was called and failed on a 3-1 vote; the commissioner tally resulted in a recommendation of denial. Planning staff noted that the commission’s recommendation will be included when the City Council considers the matter at its March 24 meeting.

What was decided: The commission’s recommendation was a 3-1 vote in opposition to the lot split; the item will advance to City Council on March 24 with that recommendation. Staff’s recommendation to approve the split was recorded in the staff presentation and in the hearing record.

Next steps: The City Council will consider the lot-split request at its March 24 meeting, where it may approve, deny or modify the proposal.