Planning commission backs Nouvel Terrace PD amendment, approves related plat extension requests

The Decatur Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday recommended approval of a planned development amendment for Nouvel Terrace at 700 Deer Park Road and approved multiple 30-day extensions for related plats, moving key items toward City Council review.

Lisa Hannon, the city’s planning director, told the commission the PD amendment revises lot sizes for two-car garage townhomes from 2,212 square feet to 2,128 square feet, removes a clubhouse, pool and dog park, and lowers the project’s dwelling-unit count from 64 to 60. "They have eliminated the clubhouse, pool and dog park, and they've lowered the number of dwelling units from 64 down to 60," Hannon said, adding that the developer’s latest revision arrived after the staff report was published, which explains why some printed materials showed 61 units.

The commission opened public comment and heard no speakers on the amendment. Commissioners questioned staff about the unit mix and whether the homes would be single-family or attached; Hannon said the proposal is for attached townhomes and that staff did not have a unit-by-unit garage breakdown available at the meeting.

One commissioner noted the property is listed for sale and another suggested the late revisions could reflect a buyer’s preferences; Hannon said ownership and sale decisions are the developer’s prerogative and any future changes to lot counts or standards would require resubmittal and review.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of PD25-0005 to City Council as written; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Separately, the commission approved a 30-day extension for the final plat for Nouvel/Nivell Terrace so staff and the applicant could reconcile the preliminary and final plats before the project goes to City Council on Feb. 23. The commission also approved 30-day extension requests for a preliminary plat and a final plat for a property at 1904 West U.S. Highway 380 as the applicants work through sewer and other technical issues.

Staff pulled the preliminary plat for Nouvel/Nivell Terrace from the consent agenda to recommend it to City Council with conditions; staff said several minor comments submitted after midnight had to be addressed before the Feb. 23 council meeting. The commission voted to recommend approval of that preliminary plat (PP25-0008) to Council with staff conditions.

The consent agenda, which included Vista Park Phase 1B (single-family residential lots) and other routine items, was approved by the commission. Commissioners discussed the March meeting date and agreed to meet March 4 to avoid conflicts with election-day activities.

With no further business, the chair closed the public hearing and adjourned the meeting at 05:47.