Casper planning commission recommends approval for Eagle Valley replat amid drainage concerns

The Casper Planning and Zoning Commission on the evening the commission met recommended approval of SUV‑925‑2025, a vacation and replat of Tract A in Eagle Valley to create Eagle Valley Addition Number 3 with two lots fronting West 29th Street.

Staff described proposed Lot 1 as approximately 0.33 acres and Lot 2 as approximately 0.40 acres, reducing Tract A to about 4.19 acres and noting a 50‑foot drainage easement that traverses the tract. Craig (staff) told the commission there were 14 exhibits in the record, including multiple letters of opposition, and said staff did not recommend conditions for approval.

City engineer Alex described the existing drainage corridor as flowing south to north through a drainage easement with 48‑inch culverts at both ends and detention to the north near the golf course. Alex said the city engineer had reviewed the original drainage study for the development and determined that the addition of two lots would not have a negative impact on stormwater, given that the initial drainage improvements and easement were sized to accommodate the system.

Applicant Ben Hansel, who identified himself as a professional engineer and a local builder, said he purchased the property in July 2021 when it was already zoned R‑3 and that the application seeks only to create two lots with existing street frontage and utilities. "We're just trying to build the two houses there," Hansel said, adding that he intended to leave the remaining roughly 4.2 acres as open space and that the homes would be engineered during later permitting steps.

Neighbors who spoke urged denial or expressed worry. Maureen Young (2949 Palmer Drive) said the steep embankments, large amounts of fill and retaining walls make the site unsafe and stressed that the drainage easement is an active stormwater corridor that must remain clear for runoff and for city maintenance access. "Building homes adjacent to this easement would compromise this function, redirect water into existing homes, and create long‑term risks of erosion and foundation instability," Young said.

Other residents described past flooding and unstable, waterlogged soils. Brian Ivasian (2941 Palmer) said water had entered his yard and nearly the house after a rapid snowmelt, and that subsurface conditions and large fill heights raise stability concerns even when engineered foundations are used. Lawrence Heim Verado, speaking for his parents at 2914 Palmer, cited a 2006 drainage study in the application packet that he said recommends the report be amended before developing Track B and argued the tract’s role in the basin required holistic detention planning.

Hansel countered that the city’s 2015 stormwater master plan (which post‑dates the 2006 report) would be followed and noted specific measures such as a restrictor plate to detain runoff during events. Staff and the city engineer said a drainage study was on file and that drainage studies and geotechnical reports are required before construction.

After discussion, Commissioner Ploczek moved to approve the vacation and replat; Commissioner Elston seconded. With all members present voting aye the commission recommended approval and staff said the item will go to the City Council on the consent agenda (no public hearing at council). City staff will follow up with the applicant to complete paperwork.

The planning commission’s recommendation is advisory; final action rests with the City Council. The commission’s decision was justified in the meeting record by staff and the city engineer’s review of drainage materials and the requirement that future development follow engineering and permitting steps.