The Omaha Planning Board on Thursday voted to forward to City Council a major amendment to the Copperfields mixed‑use development agreement that reduces a buffer yard for covered patios from 30 to 25 feet, a 5‑foot encroachment the applicant described as a correction to earlier civil drawings.

Larry Jovan, appearing on behalf of MJA Copperfields LLC, told the board the patios were shown in the originally approved mixed‑use agreement and that the amendment is intended to correct a “civil” error in the construction drawings rather than enlarge the buildings. “This is really to fix that issue,” Jovan said.

Neighbors who live east of the site disputed that characterization and urged the board to delay action. Mary Minton said portions of the development have been built up “4 feet above my fence” and worried runoff would flood basements. “If you’ve got an 8‑foot rise where these apartments are … you’re gonna have water in yards,” she said.

Martie Neely, who said she represents five homeowners adjoining the project, said several lots have already sustained damage from inadequate stormwater controls and cited changes to the site’s topography and the relocation of a retention basin. Neely asked the board to lay the amendment over until neighbors and the developer could review a drainage plan that addresses existing damage.

The applicant’s civil engineer, Randy Kushak of Lampernearson, described sealed drainage studies and coordination with the city’s public works department. He said the post‑construction stormwater management plan has been submitted and that the project was designed to maintain existing drainage patterns and not increase peak runoff to adjacent properties. “I am confident that what we are proposing … will not negatively impact the adjacent property owners as it relates to peak flows of runoff,” Kushak said.

Planning staff recommended approval of the amendment and noted that the board’s action would send the item to City Council for final disposition. After discussion, the board approved a motion to forward the minor amendment — with the applicant required to submit signed copies before council — by a 5–0 vote.

Next steps: the amendment will proceed to the City Council for final action. Neighbors said they plan to continue pressing the developer and city public works for enforcement of stormwater protections during construction.