Planning commission OKs phases 3–4 of Creekside Heights, allows small setback exception for one building

The Planning Commission on Nov. 7 approved final plan development for phases 3 and 4 of the Creekside Heights apartment project, clearing the way for seven additional buildings and 300 dwelling units.

Planner Cassie Hayes said the overall property totals 14.78 acres; phases 3 and 4 cover about 11.11 acres. The proposal includes three 59‑unit buildings, three 32‑unit buildings and one 27‑unit building; multiple buildings provide garage parking on lower levels with ADA spaces. The applicants requested a minor exception: reduce the west property line setback adjacent to Elkvale Road from 25 feet to approximately 23.5 feet for Building 11 only. Hayes said the reduced distance resulted from the building’s slight rotation on the site and that Rapid City Engineering and the Department of Transportation had no objection; the building would still sit roughly 80 feet from the paved driving lanes.

Staff confirmed open‑space, landscaping and parking meet code for the phases under the final plan. Commissioners asked about floodplain and internal access; staff confirmed a floodplain follows the east property line and earlier phases established an interior through connection so the final phases have two ways in and out.

Commissioner Karen moved to approve the final plan with the stipulated conditions; the motion passed unanimously. The approval preserves the temporary access easement provisions and provides alternate access as part of the final phase; it also includes the staff‑listed stipulations for landscaping, parking, and elevations.