Neighbors press concerns over trees, runoff and changing plans; Planning Commission defers Mayfield Road rezoning

Staff presented a request to rezone roughly 4.56 acres on Mayfield Road from AG to R‑22 to allow a gated single‑family subdivision (initially submitted as nine lots under R‑15, later revised to six and then five lots). The staff report recommended approval subject to 18 conditions including enhanced perimeter buffers, minimum lot-size language (staff suggested increasing to 30,000 sq ft), tree‑save requirements, and stormwater outfall setbacks.

Commissioners questioned the absence of a specific tree‑save overlay on the version of the plan staff used for its report and asked whether the proposed 24‑foot road section would allow on‑street parking; staff said the proposed paved width would not support safe on‑street parking and that a detailed tree‑save plan is required at the land‑disturbance stage.

Applicant Dan Webb said the team revised the plan in response to staff conditions and public input, could not achieve the staff's requested 30,000‑sq‑ft minimum but could move lot minimums to 24,000 sq ft, and asserted that proposed underground detention would detain more runoff than present conditions. "The starting point in these homes is $4,000,000," Webb said, describing the homes as custom, high‑end construction.

Neighbors who live adjacent to the parcel spoke in opposition, citing repeated plan changes that made public review difficult, a history of flooding and ponding on the site, specimen trees and wildlife habitat at risk, and a desire for a stronger and clearer tree‑save plan. One neighbor described recorded flooding and asked for larger perimeter buffers and a privacy fence.

Given unresolved questions about the exact lot count, clarified tree‑save plans, and stormwater details, the applicant offered a 30‑day deferral to meet with neighbors and staff. The commission voted to defer the rezoning and variance to the June meeting and asked the applicant to return with a tightened plan and clearer documentation on tree saves and stormwater mitigation.

Next steps: the applicant is to work with staff and neighbors during the deferral and return with site‑specific tree‑save drawings and stormwater details for the June hearing.