Planning commission backs Book Hill preliminary plat, authorizes talks on phased improvements

The Planning Commission recommended approval of a preliminary plat for the Book Hill subdivision at 2611 Cook Cook Road and authorized staff to negotiate a subdivision improvement agreement that would allow phased construction and lot sales before all infrastructure is built.

Brandon, a city staff member, presented the proposal and said the property covers roughly 11 acres and would be redivided into five lots from an earlier configuration of six. He said the site is zoned R-1A for single-family residential use and that the closest sewer connection is about 500 feet away. He told the commission, “We are recommending approval with no conditions.”

Nearby resident John Brooks, who says he lives at 4508 Rock Springs Road immediately west of the site, spoke in public comment and raised questions about sewer service, the total acreage, whether additional septic tanks would be allowed and potential increased runoff into a natural waterway that runs across his property. Brooks said he was “not opposed” but wanted assurance that the number of houses proposed would be appropriate for that location.

Staff replied that the city had checked with the health department and the water-protection division. According to staff, the health department has authority over septic rules under state law and had no objections; staff also noted the proposed lots are substantially larger than the minimum size for similar developments (about four times larger) and that drainage and runoff will be regulated when property owners submit building plans.

Logan Hayes, speaking on behalf of Build It Back Jotown LLC as the applicant’s representative, and other speakers noted that Lot 1 previously had a house and that recent tests showed existing septic facilities on Lot 1 and Lot 2 had been retested and found acceptable.

After brief commission discussion, a member moved and a second was recorded. On a roll-call vote, all participating commissioners voted to recommend the preliminary plat to City Council, which will make the final decision. The commission also voted to authorize staff to negotiate a subdivision improvement agreement to allow phasing of infrastructure under section 26-71(a) as a mechanism to help the developer finance construction and lot sales. Both motions were approved without conditions.

The next step for the project is consideration by City Council, which will take the final vote on any plat and on any associated permits or agreements.