Commission approves High Country final plat with access and drainage conditions

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the final plat and requested variances for High Country Subdivision on Oct. 24, authorizing a 5.87-acre development off Veterans Boulevard that includes a 0.12-acre unbuildable lot. Crane Engineering presented the application and Eddie Garza and Edward Gatsa (engineers mentioned in the record) described site features, storm-drainage planning and proposed access.

Staff said the master plan designates the area commercial and noted required improvements: sidewalks will be installed when Lot 1 is developed, and a detention pond will be constructed as part of Lot 1 to address stormwater. The department recommended variances to bypass preliminary-plat requirements, grant a variance on the required two points of vehicular access under Chapter 23, Article 4, and approve the plat subject to City Code compliance. The department also recommended a condition that the developer dedicate, design and construct the secondary vehicular access to Veterans Boulevard or a TxDOT/city-approved right of way within three years of Lot 1 development.

Commissioners asked whether the project would exacerbate existing drainage issues along Veterans Boulevard. Edward Gatsa, identified in the record as principal engineer with Crane Engineering, said the detention pond was designed to account for downstream capacity, that title work shows a city easement along the concrete storm channel, and that the developer would be the engineer of record for adjacent lots to coordinate stormwater management.

A motion to approve the department recommendation passed by voice vote after a second. The commission recorded conditions in the recommendation that must be met during permit and construction reviews.

Next steps: the developer must submit engineered plans for the detention pond, sidewalks and secondary access and secure required permits and code compliance prior to development.