Leon Valley council grants preliminary acceptance for Seneca Trails Phase 1 improvements, starts one‑year warranty only after engineer sign‑off

The City of Leon Valley on Dec. 16 approved the developer's petition for preliminary acceptance of public improvements at Seneca Trails Phase 1 (6518 Samaritan Drive), with conditions set by the city engineer.

Planning and Zoning Director Mr. Gallardo told the council that the city engineer inspected the subdivision improvements and found them compliant, but staff recommended preliminary acceptance be contingent on the developer submitting plan-of-record files, water and sewer shapefiles, and an ADA‑compliant walking trail. The developer has posted a maintenance bond equal to roughly 10% of construction costs — approximately $575,464 — to cover maintenance and replacement for one year while remaining issues are resolved.

Councilor Campos proposed and the council approved a motion that the one-year warranty period should begin only after the city engineer approves the contingent items, rather than starting on the date of council action. The motion was seconded and carried.

Mr. Gallardo said that once the contingent items are approved and the one-year period has elapsed without outstanding issues, the owner will petition for final acceptance and the city will assume ownership of the public improvements after the city engineer's final inspection.

Next steps: staff will work with the city engineer to track outstanding contingency items and confirm the warranty start date once the engineer signs off, and the developer will return for final acceptance after the one-year maintenance period.