Delaware Planning Commission Meeting - October 1, 2025

The Delaware Planning Commission met on October 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Roll call was taken with Commissioners Fowler, Prahl, Nana, Vice Chair Hoffman, and Chairman Simpson present; Commissioners Cross and Stroud were absent. The meeting lasted from 6:30 PM to 7:28 PM. The commission approved the motion summary from the September 3, 2025 meeting (Commissioner Fowler abstained), and took action on four regular business items: a zoning map amendment, two development plans, and a final subdivision plat. No public comments were offered.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Motion Summary (September 3, 2025): Motion passed with 4 yes votes (Prahl, Nana, Hoffman, Simpson) and 1 abstention (Fowler).

Public Comments & Testimony

No members of the public spoke or submitted comments during any of the four public hearings.

Discussion Items

• RPUD 25-13 – Maronda Homes Zoning Map Amendment (44.05 acres east of Winterbrooke): Staff presented the request to rezone from A-1 (Agricultural) to R-PUD (Residential Planned Unit Development). The site will be annexed into the city shortly. Proposed uses include single-family, two-family, and three-family dwellings (likely townhomes) and recreational facilities, with a maximum density of 5 units per acre. The applicant, Tom Hart, expressed support for staff conditions, including an amended resolution. Commissioner Nana asked about a community authority; staff clarified the site will not join the Delaware South NCA but will make a lump sum payment. Commissioner Fowler noted the addition of a condition requiring third-party engineering review, which staff explained is standard since summer 2024. Chairman Simpson recused himself after voting, citing former professional relationships with Evans Farm principals.
• PC 25-14 – Longhorn Steakhouse Development Plan (2.355 acres in Coughlin’s Crossing): Staff described a 5,700 sq. ft. one-story restaurant with 127 parking spaces, accessed via Coughlin Lane and a shared drive with Bojangles. The restaurant is a permitted use under the overlay. Applicant Scott McClintock stated he had no concerns with conditions. Commissioners expressed support for a sit-down restaurant and inquired about bicycle parking (six spaces provided) and the future Route 23 Connect project. The developer noted the site was chosen due to traffic on US 23.
• PUD 25-6 DVP #1 – Briar Hill Villas Development Plan (8.23 acres at S. Houk Road and Lansdale Drive): Staff presented a 62-unit senior active adult townhome community with a clubhouse and amenities. Applicant Ryan Tebow noted alignment with the comprehensive plan’s objective D3 for diversifying housing stock and supporting empty nesters. The only requested deviation was a sign height of 7.5 feet instead of the code’s 5 feet. Staff argued two 5-foot signs are adequate for the 8-acre site given low speed limits. Commissioners debated the request; Commissioner Fowler noted the risk of setting a precedent, and the commission ultimately denied the sign height modification. The applicant accepted the decision.
• S 25-12 – Waffle House Final Subdivision Plat (Delaware Square Commercial): Staff explained the replat splits an existing lot to create a 0.4-acre buildable lot for a Waffle House, while making the adjacent Taco Bell lot conforming under the new zoning code (previous minimum lot size was 2 acres). Commissioner Fowler praised the code reform that enabled this infill development. No applicant presentation was needed.

Key Outcomes

• RPUD 25-13: Moved to adopt with amended conditions (pages 14-16). Vote: 5 yes (Fowler, Prahl, Nana, Hoffman, Simpson). Chairman Simpson later stated recusal. Recommendation to City Council; first reading October 13, public hearing October 27.
• PC 25-14: Approved with all staff conditions. Vote: 5 yes (unanimous). Public hearing set for October 27.
• PUD 25-6 DVP #1: Approved with all staff conditions (sign height kept at 5 feet). Vote: 5 yes (unanimous). Public hearing October 27.
• S 25-12: Approved with staff recommendations. Vote: 5 yes (unanimous). The plat allows administrative review of the Waffle House building.
• Commission Comments: Members thanked staff for in-house zoning code reform, recognized applicant praise for staff, and expressed excitement for new dining options and age-targeted housing. The next regular meeting is November 5, 2025.