54 lots: Manvel council questions D.R. Horton's half-acre plan
City leaders asked the homebuilder to consult neighbors before approving a subdivision that deviates from local zoning and design standards.
By Pedro Barnes ·
Manvel City Council members questioned a proposed subdivision on Nov. 2 after D.R. Horton presented plans for 54 half-acre lots along Uzzell Road. The developer, based in Texas, submitted the proposal for a 51-acre parcel currently zoned for open single-family homes with a minimum one-acre lot size.
City documents indicate the project requires variances from the design criteria manual. The plan omits the standard five-foot sidewalks required along streets, offering instead a walking path around a detention pond and along Uzzell Road. It also proposes a ground-level water storage tank, whereas city standards mandate an elevated tank.
Under the developer's proposal, D.R. Horton would fund the water system, while a private utility company would construct, operate, and maintain the lines and set rates. Council members noted these changes deviate from existing infrastructure requirements.
Mayor Dan Davis expressed concern that the smaller lots do not align with current land use maps designed to preserve the area's rural character. He acknowledged, however, that smaller lots provide residents with additional options. Council member Garrett Rossi-Knox suggested the developer consider larger lots, such as one acre or more, to better match existing patterns.
Several council members urged the developer to seek feedback from nearby residents before advancing the approval process. Officials stated that the property would require rezoning if the developer moves forward with the proposed development.
