Ellis County approves Big Creek Estates preliminary plat with requirement for written sewer confirmation

Commissioners approved the preliminary plat application for Big Creek Estates 3rd edition on Feb. 10, conditioning the approval on documentation that the development can tie into the Big Creek sewer system.

Justin Craig, Ellis County Environmental Services Director (speaker 8), walked the commission through updates to the preliminary plat, noting changes made after Planning & Zoning review: cul-de-sac radius adjusted to county standards, minimum lot sizes set to 14,000 square feet, added drainage plans, and proposed restrictions for lots with double frontage. Developer Adam Bridal explained wells would normally be individual and that centralized sewer discussions were underway with Big Creek Sewer; he said wells depicted on the preliminary plat could be adjusted before final plat. "We've never had a contract before. What would a contract look like?" Bridal asked when commissioners requested written confirmation; the board clarified that a written approval or letter from Big Creek stating tie-in ability would satisfy the condition.

Commissioner (speaker 2) moved to approve the preliminary plat application; Commissioner (speaker 4) amended the motion to make approval contingent on a written confirmation from Big Creek Sewer that the addition can connect to centralized sewer, and the commission approved the motion by voice vote. Commissioners also required that final plats show exact well locations and required 25-foot setbacks from property lines, with 50 feet required from contamination sources where applicable. The board noted the preliminary nature of the approval and that a final plat will return for formal sign-off.

Next step: developer to provide a written statement or letter from Big Creek Sewer confirming tie-in availability and final plat to show required wells and setbacks before final approval.