High Sierra Subdivision, 5th Filing, is a proposed subdivision that would create 73 lots on approximately 19.7 acres of land, and is the first filing in a larger master planned area.  The property is located on the north side of Matador Avenue, between Cortez Avenue and Vesca Way, in the Heights. City Council granted conditional approval of the preliminary plat of High Sierra Subdivision, 5th Filing, on October 27, 2008. Section 23-302(13) of the City Subdivision Regulations stipulates that the conditional approval of preliminary plats shall be in force for not more than three years, unless a request for a one-year extension is received and approved by City Council. The three year preliminary plat approval period will expire on October 27, 2011, and the subdivider has requested a one-year extension to that approval period.

The City Council may:

• Approve the request to extend the preliminary plat approval for one more year; or
• Deny the request.

Platting of 73 lots for residential development would increase the tax revenues for the City. Allowing the subdivider one additional year to prepare the final plat documents for approval and recording should not have any direct financial impact to the City.

Planning staff recommends that the City Council approve the request for an extension of the preliminary plat approval date for High Sierra Subdivision, 5th Filing, for one year, and set the new expiration date to October 27, 2012.