Neighbors warn drainage risks as planners approve Ash Avenue subdivision variance

The Planning Commission recommended approval on April 8 of a subdivision variance sought by Lighthouse Development LLC to resubdivide six parcels on Ash Avenue into five buildable lots.

Staff said five of the parcels were legally created and a sixth was improperly created by deed; combining and reconfiguring the parcels would yield five new lots that are slightly larger than the smallest existing parcel and reduce the number of nonconforming parcels. Zoning staff recommended approval subject to standard site‑plan and drainage review.

Residents who spoke during the hearing pressed the commission to attach a drainage condition. Wayne Beagle and neighbor Shirley Williams told commissioners their properties have repeatedly flooded and that runoff concentrates in the low point near Failure Creek. Beagle supplied photographs of repeated inundation and said pumps and temporary measures have been used to protect residences; he urged the city to make closure of the drainage gap a condition of any approval.

Staff and the developer’s representative (attorney Eddie Berdon) replied that residential infill will be reviewed under current stormwater and site‑plan standards and that the variance itself does not change the total allowed building rights — the developer would not be able to increase lot count beyond five. Staff noted grading and drainage will be addressed at site‑plan review and that by code the applicant must demonstrate that runoff will not make existing flooding worse.

The commission voted 10–0 to recommend approval. Commissioners and the councilmember in attendance asked staff to escalate the neighborhood drainage concern to Public Works and to notify the council member representing the district.

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“The application reduces nonconformity and will be reviewed for drainage and grading during site‑plan review; that review process will address whether any mitigation is required,” staff said in response to neighbor concerns.

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The commission recommended approval; neighbors were urged to pursue follow‑up with Public Works and the district council member so the flooding problem can be elevated to capital improvements planning if needed.