Plano commission approves variance for Haggard Farm townhomes preliminary plat

Molly Corio, lead planner for the City of Plano, told commissioners the applicant is seeking a variance to Subsection 5.2 of the subdivision ordinance that limits residential block faces to 1,200 feet or no more than 20 lots on one side. "The applicant is seeking a variance tonight for blocks A, B, and F of the proposed development," Corio said, and staff recommended approval based on unique site geometry and proposed access easements to serve interior lots.

Commissioners asked technical questions about street connections, deceleration lanes and whether fire, police and emergency services had reviewed the plans. Corio said those departments had reviewed and approved the plans. Commissioner Langenfelder and others pressed whether additional street connections or private drives could reduce the need for a variance; staff explained posted-speed separation rules and other design constraints limit new street connections in the location.

Cole Henley of Stillwater Capital, the applicant, said he had no prepared presentation and was available to answer questions. After discussion, Commissioner Bronski moved to approve the preliminary plat and variance as recommended by staff; Commissioner Ollie seconded the motion. The commission voted 8-0 to approve the variance and preliminary plat.

The approval permits blocks A, B and F on the preliminary plat to include more than 20 units on one side under the conditions reviewed in the staff presentation. The commission recorded no dissent and did not attach additional conditions beyond those recommended by staff.

The commission will proceed to the next agenda items; plan reviewers will include the conditions and approvals in the final staff report and permitting process.