Planning Commission approves Mahaffey Valley preliminary plat; authorizes subdivision improvement agreement

The St. Joseph Planning Commission voted to approve a preliminary plat for Mahaffey Valley, a proposed major subdivision at 1500 Highland Avenue requested by Shay Hoemeyer on behalf of Saint Joseph Habitat for Humanity. Staff told the commission the proposal would divide the property into seven new lots (creating eight lots in the block) within an R-2 zoning district and recommended approval with clerical corrections to the preliminary plat and a requirement that a sanitary sewer line be installed to public standards prior to development of the lots.

Staff clarified that no construction is proposed at this stage and that development would be subject to all applicable city standards at the time building permits are submitted. The draft plat must replace references to a "minor" subdivision and update any year references, add signature blocks for the director of public works and the director of planning and community development, and show the title as a preliminary plat.

Commissioners also authorized a subdivision improvement agreement (SIGA) that allows the developer to stage installation of public utilities, including timing negotiations for the sanitary sewer line. Staff recommended approval of the SIGA without conditions; the commission approved that authorization as well.

Next steps: the items will move to city council for final action consistent with the city's review process; any construction will be reviewed against applicable standards when building applications are submitted.