Planning Commission approves Jasper by D.R. Horton design review, 6–2

The Planning Commission unanimously (6–2) approved on March 20 the design review and specific development plan for the Jasper by D.R. Horton project in the Joiner Ranch East subdivision.

Assistant planner Bonvette Stromba summarized the project: approval of four single-family floor plans with three elevations each for 198 residential units, demonstrating conformance with the general development plan and the City’s design-review standards (Lincoln Municipal Code ch.18.64). The Design Review Board reviewed the elevations on February 28 and recommended modifications to address overextended wall planes and monotonous facades. The applicant revised front elevations in response.

Commissioner Jerry Johnson questioned the visual prominence of garages, noting the garages appeared to comprise two‑thirds to three‑quarters of some frontages and cited General Plan guidance encouraging alleys and side-loaded garages. Staff responded that the DRB recommended and the applicant implemented changes reducing monotonous siding and adjusting railings as shown in the revised elevations. After discussion, a motion to adopt the resolution approving the specific development plan was made and carried with the following roll call: Yes — Commissioner Beatty, Vice Chair Gilbert, Commissioner McKinney, Commissioner Eklund, Commissioner Reedy, Chair Hutchinson; No — Commissioner Eric Johnson, Commissioner Jerry Johnson.

What’s next: Staff will record the conditions of approval and incorporate them into the permitting record; building permits and subsequent construction review will follow the standard permit process.