Planning commission approves variance allowing longer cul-de-sac at Copper Moon Estates

The Ward Planning Commission on Feb. 2 voted to approve a variance for Copper Moon Estates Phase Three that permits a cul-de-sac longer than the 750-foot distance cited in state fire code.

Tristan Phillips of Richardson Engineering, representing the project owner, told the commission the variance request was for the cul-de-sac road and that departmental reviewers, including the fire marshal, had raised no objections. “The variance request is for the culde-sac road. It’s slightly longer than the 750 ft ... we’ve talked to city staff and the fire marshal. They have no quarrels with it,” Phillips said.

Staff clarified the relevant measurements, saying the distance from the nearest main connecting road to the center of the cul-de-sac measured “a hair over 800 feet,” exceeding the 750-foot threshold that triggers special approval. Staff also confirmed the travel way and turnaround dimensions meet required widths: road lanes remain about 27–28 feet (exceeding the 26-foot minimum) and the back curb radius yields a 96-foot outside dimension consistent with state fire-code turnaround requirements.

Bruce, the public director, described the variance as a minor change and affirmed that staff had reviewed the submission. A motion to approve the variance was made and seconded and the commission approved it by voice vote.

The approval allows the subdivision development to proceed under the adjusted cul-de-sac length. City staff will continue to ensure that required design elements and any conditions of approval are met ahead of final construction inspections and council actions.

What’s next: the variance clears the specific access-length issue raised for Phase Three; any additional permits or final inspections must still meet city and fire-department requirements.