Developers to return with revisions on 27‑lot Walnut Ridge preliminary plat; cul‑de‑sac variance to go to BZA

Dre Homes (presented by its land acquisition manager and division president Andy Artsner) presented a preliminary plat for a 27‑lot single‑family subdivision proposed south of Big Walnut Elementary School on roughly 15 acres. The applicant said the development will include connections to the Legacy Trail and an access path to the elementary school, and described a maintained pond and HOA responsibilities.

Planning staff recommended conditional approval pending submission of a detailed trail‑connectivity map, a clearer breakdown of open‑space calculations (the staff wanted the portion attributable to the basin clarified), and confirmation of sidewalks and pedestrian connections. The commission discussed a related variance: the plat requests a waiver for cul‑de‑sac length that must be processed by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA); that BZA review will occur before the final plat is approved.

Engineering for the project (Kimley Horn) said sidewalks could be extended and that plans remain a work in progress; applicant agreed to provide revised plans next month. The commission signaled it would table final action until the applicant returns with the requested materials and the variance is handled through the BZA.

Speakers and staff emphasized connectivity to existing trails and the school, the need for usable open space, and the process for the cul‑de‑sac variance. The applicant will resubmit with sidewalks, trail connections and a clearer open‑space tally.