What happened: Midland’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a request Monday to divide 36.72 acres near Jadan Kate Road into six lots. City staff had initially recommended denial but changed its recommendation before the vote. Commissioners also renewed approval for a 547-lot residential subdivision near Mockingbird Lane and approved a vehicle sales and service business on Andrews Highway.

Key points:

  • Jadan Kate subdivision: A property owner wants to divide 36.72 acres at the southwest corner of Jadan Kate Road and Elkins Road from three lots into six to sell separately. The property is zoned for planned residential development. The city’s comprehensive plan identifies the area for offices and lower-intensity industrial businesses. Staff initially recommended denial without explaining why. Staff also recommended requiring a zoning change to accommodate the proposed lot sizes and showing 120 feet of right-of-way along Elkins Road and Occidental if the plat was approved.At Monday’s meeting a city planner said the transportation department had agreed to allow the plat to move forward with conditions. Staff changed its recommendation to approval. The city received no written objections.

    The developer of nearby Timberwolf Estates opposed the request over concerns about future development and property values. He said homes in Timberwolf Estates range from $700,000 to more than $1 million. The property is not part of Timberwolf Estates.

    A representative for the property owner said there are no current development plans. The owner intends to divide and sell the land. Any future development would require another plat and city review.

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    Commissioners unanimously approved the request.

    In December The Permian Press reported on another Jadan Kate Road property owner who faced losing his manufactured home after relying on an outdated zoning chart on the city’s website. His rezoning request failed. City staff said the property was subject to restrictive covenants tied to Timberwolf Estates. An attorney representing the developer who asserted those restrictions acknowledged the difficulty of navigating city ordinances.

  • 547-lot subdivision: Commissioners unanimously renewed approval for Vineyard Addition Section 13 West. The proposed development includes 547 single-family home lots on 309.21 acres at the northeast corner of Mockingbird Lane and Avalon Drive. The subdivision was originally approved by P&Z in December 2018 and City Council in January 2019. As The Permian Press previously reported developers must seek renewed approval when their original subdivision approvals expire before construction begins.City staff said the preliminary plat covers the overall development and must return for reinstatement as new phases move forward.

    Part of the property lies outside Midland city limits in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. This is an area where the city has limited authority over how land is divided. Texas law does not require cities to maintain these areas. Property owners can also petition to leave them.

    The developer has not submitted an annexation application. Staff said one will be required before the project can proceed.

  • Vehicle sales: Commissioners unanimously approved a permit without an expiration date for a vehicle sales and service business at 5801 Andrews Highway near Catalina Drive. The property previously housed a Mercedes-Benz dealership. The neighboring business to the east is also a car dealership.
  • Other plats: Commissioners unanimously approved a request from Mewbourne Oil Company to combine six downtown lots at 414 W. Texas Ave. into one 0.964-acre lot. They also approved a request to combine six lots at 403 S. Weatherford St. into two to adjust property lines for construction.