The West Consolidated Zoning Board on Jan. 7 recommended approval of a rezoning and a preliminary plat for a proposed 14‑lot subdivision at 5100 West 207th Street.

County planning staff, Michelle Edgar, described the 53.64‑acre property as currently zoned RUR (rural) and recommended rezoning to PRLD (planned low‑density residential), which carries a nominal minimum lot size of three acres. Staff also recommended approval of a preliminary plat for 14 lots and a plat exception for street spacing: the regulations require 1,320 feet between streets while the applicant requested 576 feet; Public Works reviewed the site distance and had no objection to the exception.

Harold Phelps of Phelps Engineering, representing the applicants (Jeff and Chris Ashner), said the design preserves the existing lake and trees, provides substantial landscaping along 207th Street, and includes full‑size cul‑de‑sacs meeting public‑works and fire‑access standards. On questions of access across existing waterways, Phelps said the crossing will be a pipe culvert, though it may be detailed to resemble a bridge.

One written public comment from nearby resident Vernita Engelken opposed the project, stating the family has lived nearby since 1987 and expressing concern about loss of open space and whether 5‑acre minimums still apply. No in‑person or Zoom speakers appeared for the item.

Board member Rod Richardson moved to approve the rezoning from RUR to PRLD for approximately 53.63 acres and then moved to approve the preliminary plat for 14 residential lots (the transcript names the development variably as “Wilshire” or “Wilcher Estates”) and a street‑spacing plat exception, both subject to staff stipulations. The board approved both motions by voice vote and voted to remove the words "and pond" from stipulation 1(d) as recommended by staff. Staff announced the items will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for a hearing on Feb. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Next steps: the County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Feb. 12; final approvals and any changes will be decided there.