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Zoning commission approves Oaks at Drone Creek PUD with condition shifting siding language to fiber-cement
Summary
The zoning commission approved the Oaks at Drone Creek final development plan for 69 single-family lots on roughly 111 acres, with a condition replacing a brand-specific siding requirement with a generic fiber-cement materials standard; commissioners raised drainage and connectivity concerns.
The zoning commission approved the final development plan (PD260001) for the Oaks at Drone Creek, a planned unit development proposing 69 single-family lots on about 111 acres, subject to a condition that exterior siding language be changed to require fiber-cement materials instead of a brand-specific product.
Jonathan Bradley of MMR Engineering presented the plan, saying the subdivision averages more than one acre per lot, will use private streets built to public standards, and will connect to City-Parish public sewer. Bradley said the project’s drainage design reduces the modeled 100-year flow by 23 percent from pre-development and that the developer will upgrade a 370-foot portion of force main (from 4-inch to 6-inch) as part of the capacity approval with EBR. He also noted a developer commitment to build the clubhouse before issuance of the 35th building permit and said HOA restrictions and construction plans will be submitted for review.
Commission discussion focused on connectivity versus gated access, whether a connector would require a bridge across Drone Creek, and potential emergency-access implications. A speaker identifying himself as a civil engineer (Mr. Sheriff Carney) said, "this development ultimately causes changes in the boundaries of base flood elevation," and said he would not support the project on those grounds.
Applicant representatives described modeled perimeter swales and coordination with CSRS and ODA, saying they would provide swales to ensure flow paths and avoid backing up neighboring subdivisions. Commissioners debated design-language specifics; members proposed removing a brand reference to 'Hardie Plank' and replacing it with a generic fiber-cement building-materials requirement to allow a range of manufacturers and product styles.
The commission moved to approve the final development plan with the siding-language change; the motion was seconded and a roll call recorded affirmative votes sufficient for approval.
The approval is subject to the conditions discussed and standard engineering and permitting reviews; the record includes objections from a civil engineer in the hearing but also applicant commitments to drainage measures and to coordinate with regulatory reviewers.
