Planning board backs Bridal Farm Phase 2 amendment, reducing lots and formalizing design standards

The Town of Oakland Planning and Zoning Board on Wednesday recommended approval of a first amendment to the Bridal Farm Phase 2 development agreement and its preliminary subdivision plan, which reduces the previously approved lot count and formalizes design standards for the neighborhood.

Brad Cornelius, contractor town planner with Wade Trim, told the board the amendment reduces the number of single-family lots from 111 to 87 and includes a revised lot layout and adoption of architectural and design guidelines that match Phase 1. "We found out and determined was those never existed... they were never actually done," Cornelius said, explaining the amendment will formally establish standards the town expected to be in place.

The amendment requires the developer to pay $85,000 to the town for local transportation improvements, calls for at least two replacement trees per lot with a mitigation fee if replanting targets are not met, and obligates the developer to pay a proportionate share of a regional lift station in Forest Main in the amount of $199,333. Utility impact fees for water and wastewater remain payable with each building permit.

Cornelius said the design standards maintain lot-type-specific setbacks and typical layouts and carry forward the three architectural types used in Phase 1: Colonial Revival, Florida vernacular and French farmhouse. The Appearance Review Board reviewed the designs on Oct. 7 and "unanimously recommended approval," Cornelius said.

On water supply, town-contracted engineers (CPH) recently re-evaluated system capacity and concluded the town’s water treatment plant has sufficient capacity to serve Bridal Farm Phase 2 without immediate expansion. Bobby Johnson, engineer for the project, added the developer plans to construct irrigation piping to connect to the future alternative water supply; irrigation will be supplied from that alternative source when it comes online.

Cornelius said the preliminary subdivision plan was reviewed by Town Public Works and the town’s contracted engineer and meets applicable requirements in the town’s land development code; staff recommended approval and the board voted to accept the amendment and preliminary subdivision plan and forward the recommendation to the Town Commission for final action.

The item will go to the Town Commission for a first reading on Oct. 28 and a final reading on Nov. 10, according to staff.

Notes: design standards prohibit accessory dwelling units from including a kitchen and continue HOA controls on minimum house sizes as a private covenant rather than a town regulation. The developer will dedicate a portion of the western parcel to the Oakland Nature Preserve as shown on the preliminary plan.