Commission tables Durango Farms replat over unclear 3‑ft utility easement

The Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 3 tabled consideration of a replat for Durango Farms Phase 1, Lot 2A after commissioners said staff had not confirmed what, if anything, occupies a 3‑foot private utility easement cutting diagonally across the corner of the proposed lots. Manny Hernandez, the presenter, described the replat as a division of an existing commercial lot and an adjacent landscape/common area to establish HOA ownership and maintenance of a monument sign and landscaping.

Commissioners pressed staff on why the plat shows a 3‑foot PUE instead of the more typical 5‑ or 10‑foot easements along streets. They said the diagonal alignment and small width looked ‘‘out of the ordinary’’ and asked whether the easement contained wiring for the daycare sign or other utilities. One commissioner noted that the 2021 plat did not show the easement, and several asked staff to check GIS, development‑agreement documents, or engineering plans before the commission votes.

‘‘The applicant is seeking to subdivide Lot 2 A to establish ownership and maintenance of the monument sign and landscaping at the entrance of the subdivision,’’ Hernandez said while describing the proposal.

Because staff could not confirm whether utilities occupy the 3‑foot PUE, the commission voted to table the item to the March 3 regular meeting so staff can determine what is in the easement and, if needed, invite a Durango Farms representative or provide the development agreement or engineering plans. The motion to table passed 6–1.