Planning commission recommends approval of Four Seasons Polk City amended preliminary plat

The Polk City Planning and Zoning Commission on March 16, 2026 voted unanimously to recommend City Council approve an amended preliminary plat for Four Seasons Polk City (Plat 2).

The amendment, presented by representatives for MJR Developments, includes revised lot configurations intended to better match current market conditions and preserves natural features on the site near the northwest corner of Hub Drive and 72nd (also referred to as 9th Street). Developer Jared Reckold told the commission, “This is actually the third time this preliminary plat has come through over the span of about 5 years.” Representative Kelsie Skelton said the team was “happy to answer any questions” from the commission.

Why it matters: The amended plat reduces the single-family lot count from 220 in an earlier concept to 195, secures required parkland dedication, and incorporates infrastructure shown on the plan that will shape future construction and road connections if the project proceeds. The commission’s recommendation will move the matter to City Council for final action.

Details from staff and the city engineer: Staff reported that a traffic impact study completed for an earlier concept remains sufficient for now and will be updated later as lots are constructed or when commercial uses are established. The plan calls for a network of detention basins (with a primary basin in an existing ravine north of Hug Drive), parkway trees along a planned Whitetail Parkway, and a 10-foot recreational trail through the development. Staff also noted a temporary granular turnaround shown at the north end that sits on property not owned by the developer; any off-site easements required for that turnaround must be acquired before construction drawings for that phase can be approved.

Zoning and commercial area: The applicants included a small area around an existing cell tower that staff said has been rezoned to commercial (C1) with restricted uses to bar residential development; that rezoning was noted as proceeding to a third reading at City Council next week. Staff said there are no immediate development plans for that commercial area; it was included in the plat to allow possible neighborhood-serving uses in the future.

Conditions and next steps: The commission recommended approval subject to staff and engineering comments dated March 12, 2026 and noted that staff is working with the developer on an updated development agreement. The recommendation requires the rezoning to be finalized at City Council and clearance of any required off-site easements before relevant construction phases proceed.

Vote and procedural notes: The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the recommendation by roll-call vote and the chair announced the motion passed. The commission also handled routine business earlier in the meeting, approved February 18, 2026 minutes, and noted the next meeting is set for April 20.

The recommendation will be forwarded to Polk City Council for final consideration; staff indicated the rezoning associated with the plat is scheduled for a council third reading next week.