The commission approved S10425, Martin Estates, Dec. 15 with conditions that clarify access and maintenance responsibilities for a private drive.

Staff described the proposal for 27 lots on approximately 38.2 acres near Highway 69 north, noting four variance requests including a lot‑configuration variance (staff presentation, SEG 2727–2740). Petitioner Robert Martin (Duncan Coker Associates) explained the layout choices were driven by topography and the presence of a jurisdictional stream; the design uses a 20‑foot shared driveway to serve three lots in order to preserve streamside trees and reduce impacts (petitioner remarks, SEG 2802–2834).

Neighbors raised concerns about traffic on Martin Road, runoff into tributaries that flow into Lake Tuscaloosa and privacy impacts for adjacent properties (public comments, SEG 3010–3060; SEG 3138–3206). The petitioner said the 27‑lot configuration did not meet the threshold for a traffic study and that projected traffic increases would be minimal compared with the road’s existing volumes; he added that typical hydraulic and stormwater controls would be required at permitting (petitioner remarks and engineering, SEG 2960–2976; SEG 2991–3003).

Engineering urged notes on the plat ensuring (1) the private drive serving lots 19–21 is maintained by those lot owners and remains ungated, (2) the plat state that the city will not accept the private drive for public maintenance, and (3) appropriate fire‑department turnaround dimensions be met for emergency access (engineering comments, SEG 2870–2930). Commissioners discussed adding the required notations and ensuring deed or plat language protects the city and future purchasers.

On a roll call, the commission approved S10425 with the conditions discussed — private‑road designation and maintenance responsibility for lots 19–21 and a prohibition on a gate (SEG 3411–3424). The motion passed with a mix of yes and no votes recorded in the minutes and clear plat‑note conditions to be enforced prior to recordation.

What happens next: The petitioner must include the agreed plat notes and satisfy engineering and fire‑department requirements before a final plat or land development permit is issued.