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Newton planning commission approves two preliminary plats, grants one sidewalk waiver
Summary
The Planning Commission on Sept. 8 approved preliminary plats for the Burns and Fairways additions, granting a waiver of a second-side sidewalk for Burns and endorsing an off-street trail connection for Fairways as part of a multi‑phase, 70‑lot plan.
The Newton Planning Commission on Sept. 8 approved preliminary plats for two single‑family developments and granted one sidewalk waiver.
Justin, a planning staff member, presented the Burns Addition preliminary plat and recommended the commission waive the requirement for sidewalks on both sides of the street. No applicant appeared for Burns; a commissioner moved to accept the preliminary plat with the requested sidewalk waiver, and the motion passed.
The commission then considered the Fairways Addition, described by applicant agent Lance Onstead as a multi‑phase subdivision with about 70 single‑family lots. Onstead said water and sewer would be fed from the front and that the design includes sidewalks on one side of the street plus an off‑street sidewalk/trail through a reserve to connect north and south. Commissioners asked about crossings and sewer access; staff reported outstanding engineering details were being addressed. The commission moved to approve the preliminary plat and voted in favor.
Why it matters: preliminarily approving plats lets developers proceed with engineering and final plat work; the Burns sidewalk waiver reduces on‑street pedestrian infrastructure on one side of a cul‑de‑sac, and the Fairways design trades a second sidewalk for an off‑street trail connection that staff and the applicant said would better serve the development.
What’s next: Preliminary approval allows both projects to advance to later permitting and engineering review. Any final plat approvals, construction plans, or variance requests tied to either project will return to staff or the commission as required.
