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Court tables Sterling Traditions variance requests and three preliminary plats amid concerns about cul‑de‑sac geometry and reviewer conflicts
Summary
Commissioners repeatedly tabled variance requests and preliminary plats for the Sterling Traditions subdivision after lengthy discussion with developers, LJA Engineering and the county fire marshal about cul‑de‑sac radii, building setbacks and possible conflicts with the county's review engineer.
After extended debate, the Liberty County Commissioners Court tabled multiple variance requests and three preliminary plats for Sterling Traditions Sections 1–3, citing the need for more study on cul‑de‑sac dimensions, front building lines and an apparent appearance-of‑conflict because the county’s engineering reviewer has an affiliated office reviewing developer submissions.
The developer requested variances to reduce a standard 70‑foot cul‑de‑sac radius to 50 feet and to set a 20‑foot front building line for lots that front the cul‑de‑sac and knuckles. LJA Engineering supplied a letter saying it had no objection to the requested variances; the county fire marshal (Andy) and other commissioners questioned whether a 50‑foot radius provides adequate turning clearance for fire apparatus, especially if street parking is present.
Engineers for the developer explained that proposed streets will be curb‑and‑gutter with underground storm lines and that the pavement cross‑section is the same in either case; the reduced radius would mainly affect the area beyond the pavement where a roadside ditch would otherwise sit. The developer and the engineer said smaller cul‑de‑sac geometry has been approved in other local jurisdictions and argued the change yields better lot geometry and more consistent lot sizes on bulb‑end lots.
Commissioners pressed for clearer demonstrations that emergency vehicles can turn within the proposed geometry and for fuller disclosure of the relationship between the county’s reviewing engineer and the engineering group preparing the plats. The court asked staff to schedule a workshop with both LJA divisions and to find an independent review firm if necessary. Multiple motions to table passed; the court directed both developer and county staff to return with additional engineering analyses, traffic/turning templates and legal review of reviewer independence before the plats can proceed.
The court’s repeated tabling means Sterling Traditions’ preliminary plats and the associated variances remain unresolved; the court indicated it may revisit the items at a special meeting once the outstanding technical and conflict‑of‑interest issues are addressed.
