Hearing examiner recommends approval of Decatur Township rezoning for 50-home Arbor development with conditions

The hearing examiner recommended approval Friday of a rezoning in Decatur Township that would allow a 50-lot single-family subdivision by Arbor Homes, subject to staff commitments including right-of-way dedication and a traffic-calming measure.

Petition summary: Arbor Homes requested rezoning of about 22.88 acres (2024 ZON 138) from the DA district to D4 to build approximately 50 single-family lots (around 2.19 units per acre). Dominic Dreyer of Arbor Homes presented plan elements including a retention pond with a perimeter trail, a small community shelter, and varied single- and two-story home models.

Staff and conditions: Planning staff supported the rezoning to D4, finding the proposal consistent with the comprehensive plan’s suburban neighborhood typology. Staff and the petitioner agreed on two commitments noted in the staff report: dedicating a 40-foot half right-of-way along Cambie Road and adding a traffic-calming measure on the long internal spine street. The petitioner said it is prepared to meet those conditions.

Opposition and safety concerns: Pat Andrews, chair of the Decatur Township Civic Council’s land-use committee, and Jason Holiday, township trustee representing the fire department, asked the examiner to deny the rezoning unless the developer provided two local-street access for emergency vehicles. They argued that the subdivision as shown would force emergency vehicles to traverse three or more local streets from most existing neighborhood entrances, which violates the zoning/subdivision rule that emergency access should not require more than two different local streets.

Hearing examiner’s action: The hearing examiner found the rezoning itself appropriate for the suburban neighborhood designation and granted a recommendation of approval, noting that technical requirements for street layout and emergency access would be addressed during platting and permitting. The examiner observed that waivers or plat-level changes could be required at the next stage and that the petitioner would need to work with engineering and fire officials to meet safety standards.

Next steps: The hearing examiner will forward the approval recommendation to the Metropolitan Development Commission for a final decision on Feb. 19, 2025. Any required street-layout waivers, traffic analyses, or fire-safety adjustments will be adjudicated during plat committee and permitting reviews or through specific waivers.