Planning commission approves rezoning of Second Creek/Lemon Road, forwards to Board of Aldermen

The Smithville Planning and Zoning Commission voted to rezone roughly 30 acres at Second Creek and Lemon Road from R-1B to R-1D after a public hearing and applicant presentation. The commission’s roll-call vote recorded a majority of aye votes and one no; the item will go to the Board of Aldermen for first reading on Aug. 5.

The rezoning changes the minimum lot width standard: R-1B requires roughly 75-foot-wide lots while R-1D permits 50-foot-wide lots; the applicant says the developer intends to build mainly 55-foot-wide lots. Jack, planning staff, told the commission the request is for zoning only and that no preliminary plat has been submitted; the zoning decision will determine whether the higher density is allowed before any plat or final engineering is filed.

During public comment, Roberta Lohman of 16251 Lohman Road asked how the commission could find "no detriment" without seeing a plat, asking how many lots there would be and what mix of 1,200‑square‑foot versus 3,600‑square‑foot homes would be built. Lohman said those unknowns affect neighbors’ expectations about property values and compatibility. The applicant’s representatives responded that the project — branded in discussion as "Willow Creek" — is intended to offer a mix of product types to meet market demand, to be built for sale (not rentals), and may be phased with multiple plats.

Attorney Marty Astranek, representing owners Pat and Marta Grace, said the owners have the property under contract and expect to close in late August. Marta Grace and Pat Grace described plans for multiple product types, an amenity area with a pool and dog park, and higher‑quality construction using insulated concrete forms (ICF) to meet modern energy codes and improved wind resistance.

Commissioners discussed potential yield: staff estimated the developable area is smaller because much of the site lies in floodplain, and roughly 20–22 buildable acres could lead to about 4–5 units per acre, which would produce an approximate range around previous approvals but depend on final lot widths and the product mix. Jack noted that the narrowest lots typically requested are 55 feet rather than the 50-foot minimum in R-1D.

The commission voted to approve the zoning change; the motion will be presented to the Board of Aldermen for public readings beginning Aug. 5. Because the request was for zoning only, any future preliminary or final plat must still meet subdivision standards and be reviewed separately.