The Planning Commission recommended denial of Willow Bend Phase 5 (PDR24‑29), a preliminary site plan to add 16 single‑family detached lots to an existing Willow Bend subdivision. The developer said the new phase replaces an expired approval for 8 larger lots and that the proposed lots would be consistent with existing community character and include required infrastructure. Engineers presented stormwater modeling showing no adverse downstream impacts and that the project meets county drainage standards and required 50% runoff reductions where applicable.

Adjacent homeowners opposed the revision, raising two main issues: first, they said the proposal reduces the previously‑approved rear setbacks (15 feet) to side setbacks (5 feet) for some lots directly adjacent to existing homes — a change they said would place new building walls significantly closer to existing back yards. Second, several residents described unresolved private disputes with the developer and said a confidential settlement between the HOA and developer left homeowners unaware of critical details about commitments the developer would have to fulfill before final approvals. Neighbors also raised concerns about flooding, traffic in the development (cul‑de‑sac geometry), and longstanding promises (amenity completion, sidewalks, irrigation) that they said had not been satisfied by the developer in earlier phases.

Staff explained that many matters raised are private contractual disputes beyond the Planning Commission’s land‑use jurisdiction, and that staff’s technical review found the preliminary site plan consistent with code and the comprehensive plan. The applicant said it had resolved earlier disputes with the HOA, secured a letter of HOA support and committed to further outreach and buffering discussions with affected lot owners.

After hearing residents’ testimony and discussing compatibility and unresolved private tensions, the commission voted to deny the Phase 5 plan, citing the concerns about changed setbacks, unresolved neighbor disputes, and insufficient confidence that neighborhood impacts had been fully mitigated. The decision will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action if appealed.