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Commission approves cul‑de‑sac variance for Woodmere Estate, 5–2
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a variance to extend a cul‑de‑sac to 781 feet and related site adjustments for the Woodmere Estate project (7300 Woodmere Drive); staff cited prior PD approval, unique site constraints and added emergency‑access measures; vote was 5–2.
Rowlett’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5–2 on Oct. 28 to recommend approval of a subdivision variance to allow a cul‑de‑sac length of 781 feet for the Woodmere Estate project (commonly listed as 7300 Woodmere Drive), part of a planned development that envisions 25 single‑family lots.
Planning manager Jalen Porsche told commissioners the 6.3‑acre site sits within an approved planned development and that staff found the request aligned with code criteria for variances because the site’s shape and prior approvals present unique constraints. Staff noted the applicant would provide a connection from the cul‑de‑sac to a nearby alley for secondary emergency access to satisfy fire concerns.
One nearby resident, Greg Duncan, who sold property in an earlier phase, voiced opposition to adding an alley connection, saying he did not receive notification and did not want an alley linking the cul‑de‑sac to existing alleys. “I am opposed to that extra alleyway,” Duncan said during public comment.
Commissioners favoring approval cited the site’s PD history and staff’s finding that there would be no detriment to public safety; commissioners opposed expressed concern about density and long‑term impacts. The motion to approve the variance carried 5–2.
The recommendation proceeds to City Council for a final decision and engineering review will follow if council concurs.
