Commission recommends approval of Villas on Valeria plat with waivers, forwards to council

The Zoning Advisory Commission voted Aug. 5 to recommend that the City Council approve the final plat for Villas on Valeria, a proposed eight‑lot subdivision that would allow four townhouses on Valeria Street. The recommendation includes waivers for Lot 2's street‑frontage requirement and lot‑area waivers for Lots 3 and 4, and makes the recommendation contingent on the applicant completing the purchase of a small triangular parcel currently owned by the city.

Justin Lauwell of Beeson and Associates told the commission the applicant, Eric McFadden, is seeking approval of the final plat. "We are looking for you to approve the final plat of villas on Valeria," Lauwell said. Associate Planner Sheena Moon reviewed the plat and identified several substandard lots. "The minimum lot size in the R2A is 2,500 square feet," Moon said, noting that Lots 3 and 4 fall below that threshold and the applicant is requesting waivers to proceed. Moon also said a prior special‑exception approval from the zoning board of adjustment was contingent on final plat approval and on the sale of the city‑owned parcel.

Staff told commissioners the city disposal process requires initial council consideration (expected Aug. 17), followed by return and a public hearing before a final council vote (the staff presentation indicated the council public hearing for disposal is expected Sept. 21, and the plat would return to council thereafter). Commissioners asked detailed questions about lot access and the 15‑foot utility/access easement that would serve Lots 1–7 and several adjacent Shoffner Subdivision lots; staff clarified which parcels would be listed as easement beneficiaries on the updated plat. A motion to recommend approval, subject to the listed waivers and the property sale, passed and will be forwarded to City Council for final action.