Shelby County Planning Commission approves Eddleman master plan change

The Shelby County Planning Commission approved the request to amend the Highland Lakes Master Plan at its June 15 meeting.

Doug Eddleman of Eddleman Development Corporation submitted a request to amend the master plan in order to reconfigure roads and lots to accommodate septic tanks for the proposed 33rd and 34th sectors. This property is located in the Highland Lakes Community, and is zoned as single family estate special district.

The request was continued from the March 16 and May 4 planning commission meetings to allow Eddleman Development Corporation and its engineers to complete evaluations, delineations and permitting of streams and ditches.

Scott Vaughn from Arrington Engineering, who worked on the maps for Eddleman, addressed the commission’s questions about an enlarged greenspace and new lots that are in flood plains.

Following those speaking in favor of the amended master plan, Highland Lakes resident Galen Tillery proposed a question to the commission and Eddleman.

“The only concern I’ve got is that we might set a precedent by putting septic tanks in that area,” Tillery said.

He expressed concern that the steep landscape behind some of the properties would lead to pollution running off into the stream if the houses experienced septic issues.

“I just want to ensure that we’re not going to have septic runoff into that water, that’s my first concern,” he said. Tillery also mentioned a concern for erosion in the area.

Eddleman said runoff would not lead into the lakes or the Cahaba River. They were pursuing septic tanks in because of past success with septic systems, Eddleman said, and not for financial reasons.

“Financially, we’re not going to discontinue the sewer, but because the [topography] is difficult [we’re pursuing septic systems], it’s not the demands from the sewer plant,” Eddleman said.

The commission unanimously approved the amended master plan.

The next Shelby County Planning Commission meeting is July 20.