The Oak Grove Planning Commission on Oct. 30 recommended that City Council approve the revised preliminary and final plats for the Wicks From Estate South subdivision at 22303 Saint Francis Boulevard NW, and recommended approval of a variance to allow a rebuilt detached accessory structure to be sited forward of the primary dwelling at 19303 and 19343 Grama River Boulevard NW.

At the meeting the commission voted to recommend approval of both the preliminary and final plats for the Wicks From Estate South application, a roughly 83-acre subdivision proposing 21 single-family home sites. Planning staff told the commission that the applicant had resubmitted revised plans that addressed prior engineering and frontage comments and the city engineer's remaining items were minor and could be resolved before Council consideration. Chair Johnson moved to recommend approval; Commissioner Chepkis made the motion and Commissioner Farah seconded. The vote was recorded as "aye" with no opposition, and the commission forwarded its recommendation to City Council.

Why it matters: The commission and staff said the revised plat met the city's minimum-lot and density calculations after engineers recalculated lot area minus wetlands and other constrained areas; the staff recommendation included conditions requiring a screening plan for lots that front on Saint Francis Boulevard and resolution of outstanding engineering comments before Council consideration.

Variance for post-fire rebuilding: The commission also recommended approval of a request by property owners at two Grama River Boulevard parcels to rebuild a detached accessory building and later replace the primary dwelling after the house was lost to fire. Staff summarized constraints that make the requested building location closer to the road than usual, most notably an irregular wetland and a drainage/utility easement that restricts where utilities and a home pad can be placed. Planning staff recommended approval with conditions requiring the owner to resolve impacted utility arrangements and any noncompliance issues prior to final building-permit closeout and occupancy.

Commissioners said they had worked with staff and the fire department to find a path that would allow the owner to begin foundation work to avoid winter construction while ensuring final compliance before occupancy. Council member Bridal Johnson and multiple commissioners expressed support for the applicant and noted the applicant's consultations with the fire chief over safety and site layout.

What the motions recorded: The two recommendations both passed on voice votes with no recorded opposition. The commission's packet and staff report note conditions to be met prior to Council action or occupancy; the City Council will consider the commission's recommendations at a future meeting.

Next steps: Both items will appear on the Council agenda for final action. The staff report and supporting exhibits for the Wicks plat are on the city website; staff advised interested residents to review the packet and the conditions recommended by planning staff.

Quotes and attribution: Planning staff told the commission that the applicant had addressed prior engineering comments and that the Department of Natural Resources had "no comment" on the proposed subdivision. Planning and engineering staff were identified in the record and provided the analysis incorporated in the commission's motion.

Ending: The commission's approvals clear the way for council consideration of the revised Wicks plat and for the property owners to begin foundation work subject to the conditions the commission set for final compliance and occupancy.