City Plan Commission approves Azama Estates preliminary plat, grants exceptions for Azam Drive

The El Paso City Plan Commission on Nov. 20 approved the Azama Estates major preliminary plat and granted several exception requests that reduce right-of-way and sidewalk requirements on portions of Azam Drive and Barbary Drive.

Saul Fuentes, Planning and Inspections staff, told the commission the applicant proposes to subdivide about 14.5 acres into 29 residential lots and three open-space lots (open space total about 3.26 acres). Residential lots are projected to range roughly from 6,900 square feet to 24,600 square feet. Fuentes said stormwater would be conveyed from lots to drainage easements and to nearby canal infrastructure, and that the application was reviewed under the current subdivision code.

Fuentes outlined three exception requests under El Paso City Code: waive dedication of 25 feet of right-of-way and construction of a 5-foot sidewalk and 5-foot planter strip along a portion of Azam Drive; allow Azam Drive to be constructed as a private street in accordance with the street design manual; and waive a 5-foot planter strip and allow a sidewalk alignment above the roadway along Barbary Drive. Staff recommended approval on a major preliminary basis and recommended granting the exception requests.

Connor Gombe, representing Gombe Incorporated (the applicant), said the design treats the site like a Planned Mountain Development (PMD) to reduce grading and visual scarring on the adjacent slope. He said build-to lines, turnarounds for emergency access and covenants, plus plat restrictions, will limit flattening of lots and help enforce the design approach.

Commissioners pressed the applicant and staff about the topography, the buildable area on shallow lots, and how stormwater would be conveyed to the arroyo or canal. Kevin Smith and Fuentes emphasized that the site is close to the mountain development area and that the exceptions aim to minimize cut-and-fill. Commissioner Hansen argued for requiring sidewalks but said she ultimately would not block the motion.

After discussion the commission voted by roll call; the motion passed 6 ayes to 1 nay. The transcript records the tally but does not specify which commissioner cast the single nay vote. The approval allows the applicant to proceed on a major preliminary basis subject to any standard platting requirements and conditions included in staff recommendations.

What happens next: the commission's action is a recommendation/approval on a preliminary basis; final platting and any permit approvals will follow the city's subdivision and permitting processes.