Planning commission approves preliminary plat and sidewalk variance for Heidi’s House of Hope Phase 1

Johnson City planning staff and commissioners approved on Feb. 10 a preliminary plat and a sidewalk variance for the first phase of a mixed‑housing development called Heidi's House of Hope.

Planner Heath Martin told the commission the first phase covers just over 45 acres and proposes 37 dwelling units: 15 single‑family homes, 10 tiny homes, two duplexes and two fourplexes. The development is in an RP‑3 planned residential district with city water and sewer available. The proposal includes a sidewalk variance request to construct an 8‑foot sidewalk on one side of Road A where the right‑of‑way is 50 feet; the city engineer reviewed and supported the variance.

"The staff recommends approval of the preliminary plat and the sidewalk variance as it meets Johnson City Subdivision Ordinance," Martin said. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about emergency access to the tiny homes and where sidewalks transition back to a standard 5‑foot width; Engineering staff and the planner confirmed fire had not flagged access concerns and that plan drawings show the transition and crosswalks.

A commissioner made a motion to approve the preliminary plat and the sidewalk variance; a second was given and the commission approved the request by roll call.

If the project proceeds, it will move from preliminary plat to construction plan review and then to final plat approval; staff said the developer will return with construction plans and any required additional engineering details for subsequent phases.