Commission divided over open-space set-aside for smaller PUDs

Commissioners pressed staff on the role of open-space set-asides in the proposed minor PUD and whether those set-asides are necessary to preserve environmental values and prevent future density creep.

"I don't think the open space is required as a way to maintain density," one commissioner said, arguing the existing density requirement could protect district character. Another commissioner countered that setting aside open space protects natural resources and prevents owners from using minor PUDs to later subdivide and increase density.

Staff and several members noted an administrative rationale for recording an open-space set-aside on plats: it avoids an ongoing, complicated density-tracking system. "What works ... is it's tracked on the property," staff said, describing how a plat-recorded open-space designation would prevent the designated acreage from being counted toward future density calculations.

The commission did not adopt a firm policy at the meeting; members asked staff to explore proportional set-aside formulas and the administrative mechanisms (plats, deed language, or conservation easements) needed to enforce them.