Denton County approves Copper Creek Estates Phase 3 plat after drainage and construction‑access assurances

Denton County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the Copper Creek Estates Phase 3 final plat and a companion request to construct private roads on Dec. 17, 2024, after county staff described revised drainage plans and the developer pledged to communicate construction plans to nearby residents.

County planning staff said court had previously disapproved the plat for two primary drainage reasons: the proposed detention pond discharged across private property without an easement, and there was uncertainty about whether an existing drainage system through Lantana could handle added flow. Staff said the developer redesigned the plan to place an underground storm drain within an existing drainage easement and tie the pond to Copper Canyon’s underground storage and storm system. "They have worked out a design solution," county staff said during the presentation.

Why it matters: neighbors and the town raised concerns that construction traffic, dust, and working hours could affect nearby streets and residents. Troy Meyer, representing the Town of Copper Canyon, asked the developer to clarify the intended construction entrance and to explain how the concrete sections of Copper Canyon Road would be protected and how dust would be controlled. Resident Victoria Hubbard told the court she was "disappointed" the developer had not met with neighbors as the court had requested and said drainage remained a worry.

The developer answered questions in the meeting and committed to communicating through the homeowners association and to invite citizen participation on the HOA board. The developer told the court: "We will and do" send notices through the HOA and said construction pickup trucks would use a negotiated gravel route to avoid repeated heavy-truck traffic on the concrete road.

Court action: Commissioner Edmonson moved to approve the final plat; Commissioner Mitchell seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Court also approved the developer’s request to construct private roads, a necessary step under the county’s ordinance because the planned new county‑maintained roads would otherwise connect to a private road.

What remains: The county will require the developer to complete the drainage work and obtain any permits from Copper Canyon for the connection into its underground drain system. Court staff said Copper Canyon has approved construction plans and will issue the permit after the plat is approved. The county’s approval was conditioned on compliance with state law and the county’s subdivision rules and regulations.

Where it was discussed: Item 10e on the Dec. 17 agenda (presentation and public comment).