Commissioners approve Anderson Acres Phase 2 plat despite early work by developer

Van Zandt County commissioners approved the Anderson Acres Phase 2 subdivision plat for a project on County Road 3223 in Precinct 3 after staff confirmed the applicant had submitted required documentation. Staff and one commissioner noted the developer had started some work before final plat approval — a recurring issue the court has encountered — but the submitted materials met the county's subdivision guidelines.

Commissioners raised technical questions about driveway spacing, septic systems and whether rental/mobile-home lots complied with acreage rules; staff said the submitted permits and site work were in order and the plat complied with guidelines. Commissioner Chris Ricardo moved to approve and Commissioner Barton seconded; the court approved the plat by voice vote.

The court directed staff to consider whether the subdivision rules should be amended to include enforcement or penalties for starting construction before approval, since current guidelines contain no punitive measures.