Commissioners approve final plat for Lost Tree Preserve PD amid concerns about multi‑year approvals

The Board of County Commissioners voted to accept final plat dedications for the Lost Tree Preserve planned development, a project that encompasses 453 residential units, after a commission debate over how long preliminary approvals can remain outstanding.

Commissioner Moss pulled item 9k from the consent agenda to raise procedural concerns, saying the project’s approvals stretch back to 2010 and that the board should consider time limits or expiration provisions for preliminary PD approvals. "When things like this go on and on for years and years and years, we need more of a deadline," Moss said.

County staff and the county administrator explained that under the current PD ordinance a preliminary PD approval does not automatically expire; phase approvals for this project occurred in multiple years (final plat approval for phase 1 completed in 2018, later phases through 2025). The county administrator recommended bringing a review of the PD ordinance back to the board so commissioners can consider time frames other jurisdictions use.

After discussion, the board approved the resolution accepting the final plat dedications by a 4–1 vote, with Commissioner Moss recorded in opposition. Commissioners asked staff to prepare a future presentation on possible statutory and code changes governing time limits on phased development approvals.

What’s next: Staff will prepare educational material and options for the board on whether to adopt expiration periods or other mechanisms for PD approvals.