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Neighbors oppose 68‑unit Yarbrough Hills townhome plan; Planning Commission grants preliminary approval with buffering and infrastructure conditions
Summary
The Opelika Planning Commission approved preliminary plat for the Yarbrough Hills townhome subdivision but heard neighbors’ concerns about density, traffic and inadequate notice; staff required a 20‑foot buffer option, sidewalks and drainage controls.
The Opelika Planning Commission voted April 28 to approve a preliminary plat for the Yarbrough Hills townhome subdivision after staff recommended conditions including sidewalks on both sides, underground utilities and a residential buffer. The proposal calls for roughly 68 townhome lots at the end of Yarbrough Drive; the applicant represents H&H Development Partners, LLC.
Neighbors who live adjacent to the site urged the commission to deny or substantially downsize the plan. Michelle Batts, who said she lives at 2005 Copper Lane and is an adjacent property owner, told commissioners the plan is “too dense” and replaces too many single‑family structures with townhomes, raising concerns about traffic, privacy, drainage and property values. Paula Gaddis, at 2001 Copper Lane, asked about drainage and the length of construction and asked whether fencing and a speed limit could be required for the one‑way street serving the neighborhood.
Staff and engineering responded that the development includes a drainage analysis and a detention pond to control runoff, that Opelika Water and power services are available and that sidewalks were required on Yarbrough. Staff explained that buffering may be provided as (1) a 20‑foot undisturbed buffer, (2) a fence with landscaping, or (3) a double row of evergreen plantings; because many lots are very deep there is roughly 100 feet between back of units and adjacent property in some locations, staff said.
Commissioners confirmed the city’s subdivision notification follows state law for contiguous property owners but said staff will review the city’s notice procedures going forward. They also noted a traffic study threshold for developer‑required studies is 70 units, so the project fell below that threshold.
After discussion, the commission voted to approve the preliminary plat with staff’s recommendations, including the buffering, sidewalks and required engineering review before final plat. Because this was preliminary approval, engineering plans and a final plat must still be submitted and approved before construction acceptance.
