Planning commission signs Meridiana plat, approves two subdivision variances

The Manvel Planning & Zoning Commission approved a set of routine land‑use items on March 23, signing the Meridiana Section 20C final plat and granting two subdivision variances all by unanimous votes.

Meridiana plat: Staff presented the final plat for Meridiana Section 20C. The document had previously been approved under the Texas Local Government Code after a cancelled commission meeting; the applicant requested the commission signature for the final plat. The commission approved the signature request unanimously, 6–0.

Highway 6 variance (Wellby Bank site): The commission considered a subdivision variance for a 1.1‑acre tract on the south side of Highway 6 proposed for a Wellby Bank branch. Staff said an existing 20‑ft drainage easement along the southern boundary constrains development and noted a similar variance had been approved for a neighboring property. Staff recommended approval with conditions: escrow in lieu of immediate construction for up to 10 years, a plat note waiving a 10‑ft right‑of‑way dedication for the southern boundary, a minimum 40‑ft setback measured from the southern gravel right‑of‑way centerline, and an expiration/refund clause if construction does not commence within two years. Commissioners approved the variance with the stated conditions, 6–0.

Belcher Road flag‑lot variance: A second variance request sought to allow a flag‑shaped lot (approximately 2.27 acres at 8134 Belcher Road) that does not meet the ordinance requirement that side lot lines be substantially at right angles or radial to the street. Staff said the lot meets minimum area requirements but that strict enforcement would prevent reasonable development. The commission approved the variance with three conditions, including that the variance expire upon change of use or further subdivision and that a building setback line be established so the effective lot width at the building line meets the minimum 120‑ft standard. Vote: 6–0.

All three items passed by unanimous voice vote. The commission recorded its roll call earlier in the meeting: Ryan Miller, Calvin Maraiskin, Mary Ann Atkinson, Christy Kennard, Dolores Martin and Ventura Morton were present; Kenneth Haynes was absent.

Next steps: The Meridiana plat will be recorded per standard procedures and the site‑specific variances will appear on the property records with the conditions described above. Staff said escrow conditions and plat notes will be reflected in the final documents.