Planning commission approves preliminary plat for Villages at South Branch Phase 4A (49 lots)

The Olive Branch Planning Commission voted to approve the preliminary plat for the Villages at South Branch Phase 4A, clearing the way for 49 single‑family lots on about 14.24 acres in an R3 Residential district.

Staff summarized the proposal and recommended approval with six conditions, including that public utilities be extended by the developer to all proposed lots, utilities be installed underground, the developer provide civil construction plans, V‑shaped alley construction be prohibited, the project text provisions apply, and the developer guarantee incomplete public improvements with a letter of credit. “The staff recommends that the planning commission approve the preliminary plat for the villages at South Branch subdivision phase 4A and recommend same to the mayor and board of alderman subject to the following,” staff said.

William Kessle of WH Porter stated he was present to represent the application. After brief commissioner discussion, Commissioner Deion Jones moved to approve the preliminary plat with the six staff recommendations; Mr. Long seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote.

The plat includes a mix of lot types (village lots, cottage lots and garden‑home lots), minimum dwelling sizes described in the project text, and one private alley. Staff noted a typographical error in the materials (an item stating 36 cottage lots should have read 34) and clarified that the phase contains 49 total lots. Staff will require the developer to post assurances for unfinished public improvements before final plat approval.

Next steps: the developer must submit civil construction plans and meet the listed conditions before final plat consideration.