03.17.15 PZ Packet ]
1. Call to Order / Roll Call.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
(Items placed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are considered non-controversial. The Consent Agenda
can be acted upon in one motion. A Planning & Zoning Commissioner may remove any item for discussion and separate action.
Planning & Zoning Commissioners may vote nay on any single item without comment and may submit written comments as part
of the official record.)
3a. Consider and act upon minutes from the March 3, 2015 Regular Planning & Zoning Commission
meeting.
3b. Consider and act upon an extension of a Preliminary Plat for Prosper Trail Estates, for 494 single
family residential lots on 212.0± acres, located on the north side of Prosper Trail, 2,500± feet
west of Dallas Parkway. The property is zoned Planned Development-36 and Planned
Development-60 (PD-36 & PD-60). (D12-0047).
3c. Consider and act upon a Site Plan and a Final Plat for Westfork Crossing Addition, Block A, Lot
1, for a convenience store with gas pumps (RaceTrac), on 2.4± acres, located on the northwest
corner of US 380 and Gee Road. The property is zoned Commercial (C). (D14-0072).
3d. Consider and act upon a Site Plan and a Final Plat for La Cima Crossing Addition, Block A, Lots
1 and 2, for a retail building on Lot 2, on 6.7± acres, located on the northwest corner of US 380
and La Cima Boulevard. The property is zoned Planned Development-2 (PD-2). (D15-0001).
3e. Consider and act upon a final plat of Windsong Ranch, Phase 2D-1, for 99 single family
residential lots, on 41.1± acres, located 1,500± feet south of Fishtrap Road, 2,000± feet east of
Windsong Parkway. The property is zoned Planned Development-40 (PD-40). (D15-0012).
3f. Consider and act upon a Revised Conveyance Plat for Frontier Estates, Block A, Lots 2, on 9.8±
acres, located on the south side of Coleman Street, 100± feet east of Preston Road. The property
is zoned Planned Development-15 (PD-15). (D15-0014).
3g. Consider and act upon a Final Plat of Haiman Addition, Block A, Lot 1, on 0.6± acre, located on
the north side of Seventh Street, 1,000± feet east of Coleman Street. The property is zoned Single
Family-15. (D15-0015).
REGULAR AGENDA
(If you wish to address the Planning & Zoning Commission during the regular agenda, please fill out a “Speaker Request Form”
and present it to the Chair prior to the meeting. Citizens wishing to address the Planning & Zoning Commission for items listed
AGENDA
Regular Meeting of the
Prosper Planning & Zoning Commission
108 W. Broadway St., Prosper, Texas
Town of Prosper Municipal Chambers
Tuesday, March 17, 2015, 6:00 p.m.
Prosper is a place where everyone matters.
Page 1 of 2
as public hearings will be recognized by the Chair. Those wishing to speak on a non-public hearing related item will be
recognized on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the Planning & Zoning Commission.)
4. Consider and act upon a Preliminary Site Plan for a retail and office development and child day
care facility (Kids R Kids Addition), and a solid living screen in lieu of a masonry wall, on 12.8±
acres, located on the northeast corner of First Street and Coit Road. The property is zoned Retail
(R) and Specific Use Permit-7 (S-7). (D15-0010).
5. Consider and act upon a Site Plan and a Final Plat for Kids R Kids Addition, Block A, Lot 1, for
a child day care center (Kids R Kids), on 2.2± acres, located on the east side of Coit Road, 800±
feet north of First Street. The property is zoned Retail (R) and Specific Use Permit-7 (S-7).
(D15-0011).
6. Consider and act upon a request for a Variance to the Subdivision Ordinance regarding
Thoroughfare Screening along Windsong Parkway and Gee Road, for Windsong Ranch, Phases
1A, 1B, 1C, 3A-1, and 3B. (V15-0001).
7. Possibly direct Town Staff to schedule topic(s) for discussion at a future meeting.
8. Adjourn.
Note: The order in which items are heard on the agenda is subject to change.
CERTIFICATION
I, the undersigned authority, do hereby certify that this Notice of Meeting was posted on the inside window at the
Town Hall of the Town of Prosper, Texas, a place convenient and readily accessible to the general public at all
times, and said Notice was posted on March 13, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. and remained so posted at least 72 hours before
said meeting was convened.
________________________________________ _________________________
Robyn Battle, Town Secretary Date Noticed Removed
Pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, the Town Council reserves the right to consult in
closed session with its attorney and to receive legal advice regarding any item listed on this agenda.
NOTICE
Pursuant to Town of Prosper Ordinance No. 13-63, all speakers other than Town of Prosper staff are limited to three
(3) minutes per person, per item, which may be extended for an additional two (2) minutes with approval of a
majority vote of the Planning & Zoning Commission.
NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS: The Prosper Planning & Zoning Commission meetings
are wheelchair accessible. For special services or assistance, please contact the Town Secretary’s Office at (972)
569-1011 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting time.
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Town of Prosper Planning & Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 3, 2015
]
1. Call to Order / Roll Call.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
Commissioners present: Chair Mike McClung, Vice Chair Craig Moody, Secretary Chris Keith, Brian
Barnes, David Snyder, and John Alzner.
Commissioner(s) absent: John Hema
Staff present: John Webb, Director of Development Services; Alex Glushko, Senior Planner; and Pamela
Clark, Planning Technician
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
3a. Consider and act upon minutes from the February 17, 2015 Regular Planning & Zoning
Commission meeting.
3b. Consider and act upon a Site Plan and Final Plat for Windsong Ranch, Phase 2C-1, for 158
single family attached residential lots, on 44.1± acres, located on the west side of Teel
Parkway, 2,000± feet south of Fishtrap Road. The property is zoned Planned Development-
40 (PD-40). (D15-0009).
Motioned by Snyder, seconded by Keith, to approve subject to staff recommendations. Motion approved
6-0.
REGULAR AGENDA
4. Conduct a Public Hearing, and consider and act upon a request to amend the Future Land
Use Plan, on the east side of Main Street, from Third Street to First Street, from Old Town
– Office to Old Town – Main Street Retail. (CA15-0001). [Companion to Case #Z15-0001]
5. Conduct a Public Hearing, and consider and act upon a request to rezone 0.8± acre, located
on the southeast corner of Main Street and Third Street from Commercial (C) to Downtown
Retail (DTR). (Z15-0001). [Companion to case #CA15-0001]
Glushko: Summarized the zoning request and the request to amend the Future Land Use Plan. Provided
information on the zoning of the surrounding properties and the designations on the current Future Land
Use Plan. Presented exhibits provided by the applicant. Described the differences in the development
standards for the Downtown Office and Downtown Retail districts. Informed Commissioners that Town
staff has not received any public hearing notice reply forms in opposition to the zoning change or the
MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Prosper Planning & Zoning Commission
108 W. Broadway St., Prosper, Texas
Town of Prosper Municipal Chambers
Tuesday, March 3, 2015, 6:00 p.m.
Prosper is a place where everyone matters.
Page 1 of 4
Town of Prosper Planning & Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 3, 2015
Future Land Use Plan amendment. Staff recommended approval of the zoning request and the Future
Land Use Plan amendment.
Public Hearing opened by Chair McClung for Item 4.
Luke Brown (Applicant): Described his development plans for the properties, including the building
design and orientation.
Commission Discussion. Commission discussed and noted that the Old Town – Main Street Retail
District should extend only from Third Street to Second Street on the east side of Main Street, and the
properties on First Street should remain Old Town – Office.
Motioned by Moody, seconded by Barnes, to approve Item 4 subject to revising the Future Land Use Plan
to extend the Old Town – Main Street Retail district from Third Street to Second Street on the east side of
Main Street, and leaving the property on the east side of Main Street, from Second Street to First Street as
Old Town – Office. Motion approved 6-0.
Public Hearing opened by Chair McClung for Item 5.
There being no other speakers, the Public Hearing was closed by Chair McClung.
Commission Discussion.
Motioned by Snyder, seconded by Alzner, to approve subject to staff recommendations. Motion
approved 6-0.
6. Conduct a Public Hearing, and consider and act upon a request to rezone 1.1± acres,
located on the north side of Third Street, 200± feet east of Coleman Street from Single
Family-15 (SF-15) to Downtown Single Family (DTSF). (Z15-0002).
Glushko: Summarized the request and provided information on the surrounding zoning. Presented
architectural renderings provided by the applicant for the Commissioners review. Informed
Commissioners that Town staff has received one public hearing reply form; in opposition to the request.
Described the differences in the development standards for Single Family-15 and Downtown Single
Family districts. Recommended approval of the request.
Public Hearing opened by Chair McClung.
Michael Pettis (Applicant): Described his development plans for the properties, including the
construction materials and the selling price range for the homes.
There being no other speakers, the Public Hearing was closed by Chair McClung.
Commission Discussion.
Motioned by Keith, seconded by Snyder, to approve subject to staff recommendations. Motion approved
6-0.
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Town of Prosper Planning & Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 3, 2015
7. Conduct a Public Hearing, and consider and act upon a request to amend 3.5± acres of
Planned Development-17 (PD-17), located on the northwest corner of First Street and
Preston Road. (Z15-0003).
Glushko: Described the property and the zoning of the surrounding properties. Summarized the zoning
request and presented exhibits provided by the applicant. Informed Commissioners that no public hearing
reply forms in opposition have been received. Recommended approval.
Juan Vasquez (Applicant): Described the current elevations of the surrounding roadways and proposed
finished floor elevations for the development. Stated the proposed building would be at a similar
elevation to Preston Road and First Street adjacent to the proposed development.
Perry Thompson (Applicant): Described the underground parking and the finished floor elevations of the
parking garage.
Public Hearing opened by Chair McClung.
There being no other speakers, the Public Hearing was closed by Chair McClung.
Commission Discussion. Commissioners expressed their concerns regarding the height of the building.
Motioned by Snyder, seconded by Barnes, to approve subject to staff recommendations. Motion
approved 5-1; Vice Chair Moody opposed, indicating concern with the height of the proposed structure.
8. Consider and act upon a request for a Variance to the Subdivision Ordinance regarding
Thoroughfare Screening along Windsong Parkway and Gee Road, for Windsong Ranch,
Phases 1A, 1B, 3A-1, and 3B. (V15-0001).
Glushko: Stated that due to a phase being excluded from the agenda caption, this item is requested to be
tabled.
Motioned by Snyder, seconded Alzner, to table Item 8. Motion approved 6-0.
9. Discuss Residential Design and Development Standards.
Webb: Summarized the suggested revised development standards and received input from the
Commission.
10. Possibly direct Town Staff to schedule topic(s) for discussion at a future meeting.
Webb: Reminded Commissioners of the tour scheduled for April 7, 2015 and informed Commissioners
of the possible date change May 5, 2015 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting due to early voting
taking place in the Municipal Chambers.
11. Adjourn.
Motioned by Snyder, seconded by Moody, to adjourn. Motion approved 6-0 at 7:36 p.m.
Page 3 of 4
Town of Prosper Planning & Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 3, 2015
________________________________________ _________________________
Pamela Clark, Planning Technician Chris Keith, Secretary
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To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Pamela Clark, Planning Technician
Through: Alex Glushko AICP, Senior Planner
Re: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – March 17, 2015
Agenda Item:
Consider and act upon an extension of a Preliminary Plat for Prosper Trail Estates, for 494
single family residential lots on 212.0± acres, located on the north side of Prosper Trail, 2,500±
feet west of Dallas Parkway. The property is zoned Planned Development-36 and Planned
Development-60 (PD-36 & PD-60). (D12-0047).
Description of Agenda Item:
On February 19, 2013, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved a Preliminary Plat for
Prosper Trail Estates. Section 7.6.7 of the Subdivision Ordinance states, “if no development
has occurred, any Preliminary Plat accepted by the Commission shall expire and become null
and void two (2) years following the conditional acceptance, unless an extension of time is
applied for prior to expiration and granted by the Commission. The Commission may, upon the
application of the Subdivider, extend the conditional acceptance of the Preliminary Plat up to six
(6) months.” An application for the extension of this subdivision was applied for on February 16,
2015, and a letter detailing the purpose for the request for an extension has been attached for
reference.
Budget Impact:
There are no significant budget implications associated with the approval of this Preliminary Plat
extension.
Legal Obligations and Review:
The Preliminary Plat meets minimum development requirements.
Attached Documents:
1. Extension request letter
2. Approved Preliminary Plat
Town Staff Recommendation:
Town staff recommends approval of the extension of the Preliminary Plat for Prosper Trail
Estates, to September 17, 2015.
Prosper is a place where everyone matters.
PLANNING
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To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Alex Glushko, AICP, Senior Planner
Through: John Webb, AICP, Director of Development Services
Re: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – March 17, 2015
Agenda Item:
Consider and act upon a Site Plan and a Final Plat for Westfork Crossing Addition, Block A, Lot
1, for a convenience store with gas pumps (RaceTrac), on 2.4± acres, located on the northwest
corner of US 380 and Gee Road. The property is zoned Commercial (C). (D14-0072).
Description of Agenda Item:
The Site Plan shows a 6,114 square foot convenience store with gas pumps. Access is
provided from US 380 and Gee Road. Adequate parking has been provided. The Final Plat
dedicates all easements necessary for development.
Budget Impact:
There are no significant budget implications associated with the approval of this Site Plan and
Final Plat.
Legal Obligations and Review:
The Site Plan and Final Plat meet minimum development requirements.
Attached Documents:
1. Site Plan
2. Final Plat
Town Staff Recommendation:
Town staff recommends approval of the Site Plan and Final Plat subject to:
1. Town staff approval of all additions and/or alterations to the easements on the Final Plat.
2. Town staff approval of civil engineering, façade, open space, landscaping, and irrigation
plans.
3. Town staff and TxDOT approval of all thoroughfare locations, right-of-way dedications,
easements, driveways, turn lanes, drive openings, median openings, sidewalks, and hike
and bike trails.
4. Town staff approval of all fire hydrants, fire department connections (FDC) and fire lanes,
including widths, radii, and location.
Prosper is a place where everyone matters.
PLANNING
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To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Alex Glushko, AICP, Senior Planner
Through: John Webb, AICP, Director of Development Services
Re: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – March 17, 2015
Agenda Item:
Consider and act upon a Site Plan and a Final Plat for La Cima Crossing Addition, Block A, Lots
1 and 2, for a retail building on Lot 2, on 6.7± acres, located on the northwest corner of US 380
and La Cima Boulevard. The property is zoned Planned Development-2 (PD-2). (D15-0001).
Description of Agenda Item:
The Site Plan shows a 10,215 square foot retail building. Access is provided from US 380 and
Richland Boulevard. Adequate parking has been provided. The Final Plat dedicates all
easements necessary for development.
Budget Impact:
There are no significant budget implications associated with the approval of this Site Plan and
Final Plat.
Legal Obligations and Review:
The Site Plan and Final Plat meet minimum development requirements.
Attached Documents:
1. Site Plan
2. Final Plat
Town Staff Recommendation:
Town staff recommends approval of the Site Plan and Final Plat subject to:
1. Town staff approval of all additions, alterations, and/or annotation to the easements on the
Final Plat.
2. Town staff approval of civil engineering, façade, open space, landscaping, and irrigation
plans.
3. Town staff and TxDOT approval of all thoroughfare locations, right-of-way dedications,
easements, driveways, turn lanes, drive openings, median openings, sidewalks, and hike
and bike trails.
4. Town staff approval of all fire hydrants, fire department connections (FDC) and fire lanes,
including widths, radii, and location.
Prosper is a place where everyone matters.
PLANNING
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To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Alex Glushko, AICP, Senior Planner
Through: John Webb, AICP, Director of Development Services
Re: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – March 17, 2015
Agenda Item:
Consider and act upon a Final Plat of Windsong Ranch, Phase 2D-1, being 99 single family
residential lots, on 41.1± acres, located 1,500± feet south of Fishtrap Road, 2,000± feet east of
Windsong Parkway. The property is zoned Planned Development-40 (PD-40). (D15-0012).
Description of Agenda Item:
The Final Plat shows 99 single family residential lots. Access will be provided from Fishtrap
Road, via Copper Canyon Drive, and Windsong Parkway, via Bristleleaf Lane. The Final Plat
conforms to the Planned Development-40 (PD-40) development standards and the approved
Preliminary Plat.
Budget Impact:
There are no significant budget implications associated with the approval of this Final Plat.
Legal Obligations and Review:
The Final Plat meets minimum development requirements.
Attached Documents:
1. Final Plat
Town Staff Recommendation:
Town staff recommends approval of the Final Plat subject to:
1. Town staff approval of all additions and/or alterations to the easements on the Final Plat.
2. Town staff approval of civil engineering, landscape, irrigation, and screening plans.
3. Town staff approval of all right-of-way dedication, turn lanes, drive openings, street sections, hike
and bike trails and easements, and sidewalks.
4. Town staff approval of trees located in the right-of-way.
Prosper is a place where everyone matters.
PLANNING
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To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Pamela Clark, Planning Technician
Through: Alex Glushko AICP, Senior Planner
Re: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – March 17, 2015
Agenda Item:
Consider and act upon a Revised Conveyance Plat for Frontier Estates, Block A, Lot 2, on 9.8±
acres, located on the south side of Coleman Street, 100± feet east of Preston Road. The
property is zoned Planned Development-15 (PD-15). (D15-0014).
Description of Agenda Item:
The purpose of the Revised Conveyance Plat is to add utility easements. The Revised
Conveyance Plat conforms to the Planned Development-15 development standards.
Budget Impact:
There are no significant budget implications associated with the approval of this Revised
Conveyance Plat.
Legal Obligations and Review:
The Revised Conveyance Plat meets minimum development requirements.
Attached Documents:
1. Revised Conveyance Plat
Town Staff Recommendation:
Town staff recommends approval of the Revised Conveyance Plat, subject to:
1. Town staff approval of all additions and/or alterations to the easements on the Revised
Conveyance Plat.
Prosper is a place where everyone matters.
PLANNING
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To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Pamela Clark, Planning Technician
Through: Alex Glushko AICP, Senior Planner
Re: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – March 17, 2015
Agenda Item:
Consider and act upon a Final Plat of the Haiman Addition, Block A, Lot 1, on 0.6± acre, located
on the north side of Seventh Street, 1,000± feet east of Coleman Street. The property is zoned
Single Family-15 (SF-15). (D15-0015).
Description of Agenda Item:
The purpose of the Final Plat is to combine two tracts of land into one lot. The Final Plat
conforms to the Single Family-15 development standards.
Budget Impact:
There are no significant budget implications associated with the approval of this Final Plat.
Legal Obligations and Review:
The Final Plat meets minimum development requirements.
Attached Documents:
1. Final Plat
Town Staff Recommendation:
Town staff recommends approval of the Final plat, subject to:
1. Town staff approval of all additions and/or alterations to the easements on the Final Plat.
Prosper is a place where everyone matters.
PLANNING
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To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Alex Glushko, AICP, Senior Planner
Through: John Webb, AICP, Director of Development Services
Re: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – March 17, 2015
Agenda Item:
Consider and act upon a Preliminary Site Plan for a retail and office development and child day
care facility (Kids R Kids Addition), and a solid living screen in lieu of a masonry wall, on 12.8±
acres, located on the northeast corner of First Street and Coit Road. The property is zoned
Retail (R) and Specific Use Permit-7 (S-7). (D15-0010).
Description of Agenda Item:
The Preliminary Site Plan shows four retail/restaurant buildings totaling 65,330 square feet, six
office/bank buildings totaling 37,100 square feet, and a 16,357 square foot child day care
facility. Access is provided from First Street and Coit Road. Adequate parking has been
provided. The Preliminary Site Plan conforms to the Retail and Specific Use Permit-7
development standards.
While Preliminary Site Plans are generally considered on the Consent Agenda, this item is
being considered on the Regular Agenda to allow the Planning & Zoning Commission to
consider approval of a solid living screen in lieu of a masonry wall, for non-residential
development adjacent to residential development, as allowed by the Zoning Ordinance.
A solid living screen in lieu of a masonry wall was previously approved by the Planning & Zoning
Commission and Town Council, in conjunction with approval of the Specific Use Permit for the
Child Day Care use, but only for the 2.2-acre day care site, and not the entirety of the 12.8 acre
property.
The solid living screen that was approved consists of one (1) large evergreen tree, planted on
30-foot centers, 3-inch caliper minimum at the time of planting, and evergreen shrubs, planted
on 6-foot centers, 45-gal and 8 feet in height at the time of planting. The applicant is proposing
the same solid living screen for the remainder of the subject property, adjacent to the single
family residential development to the east.
Budget Impact:
There are no significant budget implications associated with the approval of this Preliminary Site
Plan.
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Legal Obligations and Review:
The Preliminary Site Plan meets minimum development requirements.
Attached Documents:
1. Preliminary Site Plan
Town Staff Recommendation:
Town staff recommends approval of the Preliminary Site Plan subject to:
1. Planning & Zoning Commission approval of a solid living screening in lieu of a masonry wall.
2. Town staff approval of preliminary water, sewer, and drainage plans.
3. Town staff approval of all thoroughfare locations, right-of-way dedications, easements,
driveways, turn lanes, drive openings, median openings, sidewalks, and hike and bike trails.
4. Town staff approval of all fire hydrants, fire department connections (FDC) and fire lanes,
including widths, radii, and location.
Page 2 of 2
To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Alex Glushko, AICP, Senior Planner
Through: John Webb, AICP, Director of Development Services
Re: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – March 17, 2015
Agenda Item:
Consider and act upon a Site Plan and a Final Plat for Kids R Kids Addition, Block A, Lot 1, for a
child day care center (Kids R Kids), on 2.2± acres, located on the east side of Coit Road, 800±
feet north of First Street. The property is zoned Retail (R) and Specific Use Permit-7 (S-7).
(D15-0011).
Background:
Site Plans are generally considered on the Consent Agenda; however, approval of this Site Plan
is subject to approval of the previous item on the Planning & Zoning Commission’s agenda,
which is the Preliminary Site Plan for the Kids R Kids Addition (D15-0010).
Description of Agenda Item:
The Site Plan shows 16,357 square foot child day care facility. Access is provided from Coit
Road. Adequate parking has been provided. The Final Plat dedicates all easements necessary
for development.
Budget Impact:
There are no significant budget implications associated with the approval of this Site Plan and
Final Plat.
Legal Obligations and Review:
The Site Plan and Final Plat meet minimum development requirements.
Attached Documents:
1. Site Plan
2. Final Plat
Town Staff Recommendation:
Town staff recommends approval of the Site Plan and Final Plat subject to:
1. Town staff approval of civil engineering, façade, open space, landscaping, and irrigation
plans.
2. Town staff approval of all thoroughfare locations, right-of-way dedications, easements,
driveways, turn lanes, drive openings, median openings, sidewalks, and hike and bike trails.
Prosper is a place where everyone matters.
PLANNING
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3. Town staff approval of all fire hydrants, fire department connections (FDC) and fire lanes,
including widths, radii, and location.
Page 2 of 2
To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Alex Glushko, AICP, Senior Planner
Through: John Webb, AICP, Director of Development Services
Re: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – March 17, 2015
Agenda Item:
Consider and act upon a request for a Variance to the Subdivision Ordinance regarding
Thoroughfare Screening along Windsong Parkway and Gee Road, for Windsong Ranch,
Phases 1A, 1B, 1C, 3A-1, and 3B. (V15-0001).
Description of Agenda Item:
Windsong Ranch is a 2,100 acre master planned community located in west Prosper. At
ultimate build-out the development could include up to 3,500 single family lots and 250 acres of
mixed use/non-residential development, as well as an amenity program consisting of a variety of
park types, multiple amenity centers, hike and bike trails, school sites, and Town facilities.
The applicant is seeking a variance regarding the Subdivision Ordinance requirements for
Thoroughfare Screening. A letter from the applicant detailing the basis for the request is
attached for reference. In 2011, the Thoroughfare Screening section of the Subdivision
Ordinance was amended in order to provide thoroughfare screening adjacent to all single family
attached and detached residential developments siding and backing rights-of-way sixty feet
(60’) or greater. Thoroughfare Screening is required to consist of ornamental metal fencing with
masonry columns, meandering sidewalks, berming, and landscaping, in a twenty five foot (25’)
landscape buffer/common area to be owned and maintained by a Homeowner’s Association
(HOA). The twenty five foot (25’) buffer is required to be exclusive of all required streets and
right-turn rights-of-way, drainage easements, and utility easements, unless otherwise approved
by the Town Council.
The applicant is requesting a Variance to allow for the encroachment of existing utility
easements into the required twenty five foot (25’) landscape buffer in Windsong Ranch, Phases
1A, 1B, 1C, 3A-1, and 3B, as shown on the attached exhibit. At the time the plats for the
various subdivisions were approved, there were no utility easement encroachments into the
twenty five foot (25’) landscape buffer; however during the construction phase, CoServ Electric
required utility easements in order to serve the development. Although there are utility
easement encroachments into the required twenty five foot (25’) landscape buffer, all required
landscaping has been provided in accordance with Town standards, and the landscaping is
permitted by the terms of the utility easements, which allows for “landscaping that does not
unreasonably restrict or prevent CoServ Electric from utilizing the easement property.” Details
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PLANNING
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of the landscape buffer encroachments and the landscaping provided is depicted on the
attached Variance Exhibit.
The Subdivision Ordinance contains four (4) criteria to be considered by the Commission and
Council in the case of a Variance request.
1. That there are special circumstances or conditions affecting the land involved such that the strict
application of the provisions of this Ordinance would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use
of his land.
The timing of CoServ Electric finalizing design of infrastructure necessary to serve the
development is a special circumstance that affected the land involved. At this point, strict
application of this provision would require substantial redesign of existing approved plans and
existing subdivisions.
2. That the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right
of the applicant.
Granting of this variance is necessary for the preservation of a substantial property right of
the applicant.
3. That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or
injuries to other property in the area.
Granting of this Variance will not be detrimental to public health, safety or welfare.
4. That the granting of the variance will not have the effect of preventing the orderly subdivision of
other land in the areas in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance.
Granting of this Variance will not have the effect of preventing the orderly subdivision of
other land in the area.
Attached Documents:
1. Thoroughfare Screening Variance Request Letter
2. Thoroughfare Screening Variance Exhibit
Town Staff Recommendation:
Town staff recommends the Planning & Zoning Commission approve the request for a Variance
to the Subdivision Ordinance regarding Thoroughfare Screening along Windsong Parkway and
Gee Road, for Windsong Ranch, Phases 1A, 1B, 1C, 3A-1, and 3B.
Town Council Consideration and Action:
Upon a recommendation by the Planning & Zoning Commission, in accordance with the Town’s
Development Schedule, consideration and action for this item would be scheduled for the Town
Council at their Regular meeting on April 14, 2015.
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765 Custer Road, Suite 100 • Plano, Texas 75075 • (972) 422-0077 • Fax (972) 422-0075 • TBPE Reg. No. F-2121
March 4, 2015
Mr. Alex Glushko
Town of Prosper Planning
409 East First Street
Prosper, Texas 75078
Re: Variance Request – Landscape Buffer Encroachment
Windsong Ranch Phases 1A, 1B, 1C, 3A, and 3B
Dear Mr. Glushko:
During construction of the above-referenced projects, CoServ Electric finalized their design for
electric infrastructure and requested various easements be added to the plats. These easements
encroached on the proposed landscape buffers in four locations, which are detailed on the attached
CoServ Easement Exhibit. The development team confirmed with CoServ that these easements
would have no impact on our ability to install and maintain the approved landscape and hardscape
improvements that were planned. The form of easement used to dedicate the easements clearly
states that these improvements are considered “Permitted Improvements” (copy attached) and
further, the engineering project manager for CoServ emphasized that the buffer could be utilized as
planned. Given that the buffers would be owned and maintained by Terra Verde initially, and the
homeowners’ association eventually, the easements were granted. The attached exhibit shows that
the landscape and hardscape have been installed according to plan, and that the intent of the
ordinance has not been compromised.
As you know, Staff discovered this condition during the final review process for the Phase 3B plat
and alerted the development team that this violated a condition of the subdivision ordinance stating
that landscape buffers were to be unencumbered with utility easements. At this point, the plats for
Phases 1A and 1B were already filed, and the infrastructure for Phases 3A and 3B were
constructed. The design of Phase 1C was modified to provide a 40’ landscape buffer where lots
back to Windsong Parkway, which allows for 25’ of unencumbered buffer. However, the single lot in
Phase 1C that sides to Windsong Parkway also backs to an existing Phase 1B lot, and the design
team felt that leaving this buffer at 25’ would provide a more consistent condition. The subdivision
ordinance allows that any such encumbrance can be granted a variance by Town Council; the
purpose of this application is to request this variance for the affected phases. As we have
discussed, future phases will be designed to prevent this condition. Phase 4 has been modified to
allow the full 25’ clear for landscape purposes.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Spiars Engineering, Inc.
Matthew M. Dorsett, P.E.