The Trophy Club Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 13 voted unanimously to recommend that Town Council approve an amendment to Planned Development District PD‑27 that would add roughly 4.88 acres and permit an 18‑lot single‑family subdivision dubbed The Trails.

Staff presented the amendment as a modification to PD‑27 that would add a new Lot Type 3A and increase the total lot count in Neighborhood 7 from 223 to 241. Matt Cox, the town’s director of community development, told commissioners the new lots in the proposed area would range from about 13,000 to 23,000 square feet and that most other PD‑27 regulations would remain unchanged. The applicant is also requesting a reduced garage build‑to setback of 25 feet where PD‑27 currently requires 30 feet.

Why it matters: The amendment would expand PD‑27’s footprint and add large single‑family lots with design standards intended to produce higher‑end, custom homes. Staff recommended a favorable recommendation to council but made it contingent on resolving nine technical items identified in the staff report before platting.

Key details: Cox said staff expects the developer to provide updated legal descriptions and revised exhibits (including a trail alignment plan), to add detail for proposed trail connections and reflective lighting, and to show screening for a private lift station that will be owned and maintained by the homeowners association. The town’s subdivision and engineering standards will govern final street, paving, and right‑of‑way transitions; the fire marshal is reviewing cul‑de‑sac length and emergency access.

On ownership and trail access: Commissioners pressed the applicant about Lot 21X, where a portion of trail easement crosses land that was recently sold. Kyle Wood, a nearby property owner, said he owns the easement portion referenced as Lot 21X and told the commission he is willing to grant the town the legal access necessary for the trail. Matt Cox and staff said definitive dedication or legal assurances for fragmented ownership should be provided at the preliminary and final plat stages so there is no ambiguity about town maintenance and access.

Developer presentation and design: Kurt DeBose, representing Pentavia Custom Homes on behalf of the developer, described the homes as custom product with a mix of traditional and contemporary architectural elements. He said the applicant plans tighter architectural controls and higher interior ceiling heights as part of the design. Commissioners sought clearer numbering and consistency in table exhibits to ensure Lot Type 3A’s minimum lot size is shown correctly in PD exhibits.

Outcome and next steps: A motion to recommend approval was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. Staff said the commission’s recommendation is contingent on the satisfactory resolution of items 1–9 noted in the staff report; those clarifications and any necessary easements or dedications must be finalized during the platting process before council action or final development approvals.

Speaker quotes: "You'll see a lot of times in November and December, we've got, or may not be adhering to this," Matt Cox said when explaining meeting timing and PD review practices. Kyle Wood said of the easement, "I have no problem... giving full autonomy to the town on this easement." Kurt DeBose said of the builder's approach, "integrity is something that matters the most."

The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to Town Council for final consideration; staff will verify the items required in the recommendation prior to council action.