Planning commission approves variance to keep 40-foot right-of-way on Westwood Road

On April 22, 2026, the Lawrence Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission approved a variance that allows the Westwood 2nd plat to keep a 40-foot right-of-way rather than the 60-foot minimum required by the subdivision regulations. Commissioner Munch moved to approve the variance and Commissioner Thomas seconded; the chair called for hands, no objections were recorded on the transcript, and the motion passed.

Ellie Hall, Planner I, told the commission the variance request arose because Westwood Road, classified as a local street, currently has a dedicated 40 feet of right-of-way but the standard requires 60 feet. ‘‘Finding from staff is that the request meets all 3 of the criteria for approval,’’ Hall said, and noted the city engineer indicated support because there are no plans to reconstruct Westwood Road. Hall also said the road serves 12 properties.

The applicant’s representative, Chris Storm of Storm Engineering, said the replat followed demolition at 14 Westwood and a planned new house and detached garage that required a lot-line adjustment. ‘‘They’ve demoed on 14 Westwood, and they’re gonna build a new house over there,’’ Storm said, explaining the practical reason for the lot-line change.

Under the subdivision rules described by staff, minor subdivisions that abut substandard right-of-way normally require the subdivider to dedicate enough land to meet the minimum standard (in this case, an extra 10 feet). The variance exempts the applicant from that dedication for this administrative minor-subdivision review. The motion cited section 20-1110(e)(5)(i) of the subdivision regulations and referenced Westwood 2nd plat (plat 26-0034).

The commission recorded the motion as passed; the transcript does not provide a roll-call tally. No formal conditions beyond those discussed by staff were recorded in the meeting minutes. The commission moved on to its next agenda item after granting the variance.