Commission conditionally approves Big Creek Estates preliminary plat, requires written sewer‑tie approval

The Ellis County Commission conditionally approved the preliminary plat for Big Creek Estates 3rd Addition on Feb. 10, 2026, requiring written acceptance from the Big Creek Improvement District before the plat advances beyond the preliminary stage. Environmental Services Director Justin Craig outlined the Planning & Zoning review history and noted the commission had previously returned the plat to Planning & Zoning for variance explanations.

Developer Adam Pray and representatives from Kaw Valley Engineering answered questions about requested variances including double frontage waivers and centralized sewer. Commissioners emphasized that all well locations must be shown on the final plat with required 25‑foot setbacks and that termite treatment would be addressed via a restricted covenant. Commissioner Michael Berges moved to approve the preliminary plat, and Commissioner Nathan Leiker seconded; the motion passed by a voice vote reported as three to zero.

"There is water," Pray said when commissioners asked about well availability, and the developer indicated flexibility to move well locations if necessary. The approval at this stage allows the commission to impose reasonable conditions (per Article 5, Section 5.01 of the Ellis County Zoning & Subdivision Regulations) as part of final plat review.