05-19-1997 (Planning & Zoning) Minutes MINUTES
The Planning and Zoning Commission met in a Regular Business Meeting on May 19, 1997, at 6:30
p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Wylie Municipal Complex, located at 2000 Hwy. 78 North,
Wylie,Texas 75098. A quorum was present and a notice was posted in the time and manner required
by law.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman-Bart Peddicord, Cecilia Wood, James Smith,
Rich Eckman, Steve Ahrens, Stuart Allison and Tim Owen.
ABSENT: None
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Building Official-Mike Phillips and Secretary- Rebecca Rogers.
ACTION ITEMS
ITEM NO. 1: Consider approval of the Minutes from the April 7, 1997 Regular Business Meeting.
A motion was made by Steve Ahrens, seconded by Cecilia Wood, to accept the minutes as presented.
Motion carried, all in favor(7).
ITEM NO. 2: Discuss and Consider approval of a Land Study submitted by Goff Homes for a
71.814 acre residential development designated as Cottonwood Farms located on Whitley Road,
north of the intersection of Elm Grove Road and Whitley Road in the City of Wylie's Extra Territorial
Jurisdiction. Mike Phillips, Building Official, stated that since this property is within the City of
Wylie's ETJ it is subject to the City's Subdivision Regulations. Several variances are being requested
along with the Land Study: 1) individual septic systems in lieu of hooking up to sanitary sewer as
required by the Subdivision Regulations; 2) due to the estate style of the lots, a request has been to
made to not build sidewalks on both sides of the street; 3)the Paving Standards require that all type
G residential streets have curbs and gutters and a request is being made to not build any curbs and
gutters and have open barrel ditch drainage on both sides of the street. Any variances that the
Commission grants will actually be performed at the Preliminary Plat phase. The proponent is
requesting these variances at this stage of development so that they proceed with the development
of the Preliminary Plat. There is no sanitary sewer in this area at this time (nearest sewer is 1 3/4 miles
away). It is conceivable that due to the proximity of the wastewater treatment plant that an oversize
line would be put in for future development. There are no plans for that sewer line at this time
(estimate online in maybe in 5 years). There is water to the site and gas lines across the street.
History of problems experienced with the older type (leach field, not OSSF) of septic systems, don't
need the same problems occurring here. Staff recommends denial of the variances and approval of
the Land Study.
Neal Heckel, Goff Homes, 2653 Tarna, Dallas, Texas, was present to speak on the behalf of the
request. Closest sewer is approximately 9,000 feet at the crow flies, no perq test is needed because
the newer septic system is a self-contained tank and the water is treated in a two tank system. Philip
Robbins, Robbins Engineering, Garland, Texas was present to explain the new septic system. Mr.
Robbins, explained that the newer septic systems treats wastewater like a treatment plant and the
result is a 95%pure water that is sprinkled onto the lawn. This system is more efficient and quicker
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(no refuse or sludge to have pumped out). The water is dispersed in spray irrigation in which 1/3 of
the moisture evaporates before it hits the ground. The system is easily changed out for sanitary
sewer, already has clean out. TNRCC regulates this system and the installer is required to provide
two years of maintenance (maintenance to be performed every 4 months) at no charge and requires
the installer to be certified to install and maintain the system(Operator, Level C). The cost of the
system is slightly higher(not even 10%) and has come down a lot in price in the last few years. The
life of the system is indefinite with maintenance, the life of the old system was 10-20 years. The tank
is constructed of fiberglass or concrete.
Mr. Harold Chenault was present to speak on behalf of the variance request. Feels that property
would be valueless if variances are denied. This property is closer to Rowlett and Sachse, but
unfortunately is not in their ETJ. Other properties in the area are on septic systems under county
requirements. These new systems have been proved in Heath and Forney. Neal Heckel brought up
that construction would be done in two phases. Perhaps Phase I could be allowed to have the new
septic system and that could be evaluated before it would be approved for Phase II. Mindy Manson,
Asst. to the City Manager, stated that perhaps the septic system could be allowed at this point and
require the subdivision to tie in to the sanitary sewer when it became available in that area (as
required by City ordinance). Discussion among board members followed.
A motion was made by Steve Ahrens, seconded by Cecilia Wood, to table the variance requests until
further information could be obtained. Motion denied, none in favor. Request not tabled. More
discussion followed. TNRCC has very strict guidelines governing this type of system. Mr. Phillips
stated that there are provisions in the utility ordinance that allow the City to request the property
owner to tie into the sanitary sewer once it is within 500 feet of that property(once it is annexed).
A motion was made by Steve Ahrens, seconded by Rich Eckman to approve the variance allowing
on site waste water treatment systems. Motion carried, 6 in favor, 1 opposed (Stuart Allison).
Variance granted.
A motion was made by Steve Ahrens, seconded by Cecilia Wood, to deny the variance request to not
build any sidewalks. Motion carried, all in favor. Variance denied.
A motion was made by Rich Eckman, seconded by Stuart Allison, to deny the variance request to
have open barrow ditch drainage and not build curbs and gutters down all sides of the streets. Mt
carried, all in favor. Variance denied.
A motion was made by Steve Ahrens, seconded by Rich Eckman, to approve the Land Study with
the approved variance, submitted by Goff Homes for a 71.814 acre residential development
designated as Cottonwood Farms located on Whitley Road, north of the intersection of Elm Grove
Road and Whitley Road in the City of Wylie's Extra Territorial Jurisdiction. Motion carried, all in
favor. Land Study approved with septic system variance.
ITEM NO. 3: Discuss and Consider a recommendation to the City Council for approval of a Final
Plat (Approved for Construction) for the subdivision Stoneridge Farms submitted by Goff Homes,
located at the junction of Stone Road and FM 544 just south of Quail Hollow subdivision. Staff
recommends approval of the Final Plat for Stoneridge Farms. A motion was made by James Smith,
seconded by Rich Eckman, to recommend approval to City Council of the Final Plat for Stoneridge
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Farms. Motion carried, all in favor (7).
ITEM NO.4: Discuss and consider changing the Planning and Zoning Commission's meeting time
from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A motion was made by Steve Ahrens, seconded by Rich Eckman, to
change the P & Z Commission's meeting time from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Motion carried, all in
favor (7).
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
None
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made to adjourn by Steve Ahrens, seconded by Rich Eckman. Motion carried, all in
favor (7). Chairman Peddicord adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
cc _
Bart Peddicord, Chairman Rebecca Rogers, Secr
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