In a recent town council meeting, significant discussions centered around proposed zoning changes in Apple Valley, aimed at reshaping the community's development landscape. The council is considering eliminating the single-family zoning designation, which currently restricts residents from keeping livestock such as horses and cows. Instead, the proposal seeks to transition to a rural estate zoning model that would allow for more agricultural flexibility while maintaining the existing one-acre parcel size.

Council members emphasized that the changes are not intended to remove one-acre zoning but rather to enhance the community's rural character by permitting residents to keep animals, which aligns with the town's identity. The proposal is part of a broader initiative to simplify the town's zoning structure, which has become convoluted over time, especially for a small population of approximately 900 residents.

Additionally, the council is looking to eliminate industrial zoning, responding to community feedback indicating a strong preference against factories and heavy industrial development. The survey results revealed that residents favor maintaining the town's rural atmosphere over introducing industrial operations.

The council also discussed the need to update the town's general plan to reflect recent zoning changes and ensure compliance with community standards. This update is seen as essential for future growth, particularly as the town anticipates an increase in population.

Concerns were raised regarding ongoing development projects, particularly the Gooseberry Reserve, where residents expressed dissatisfaction with construction traffic impacting their neighborhood. The council assured that they would enforce developer agreements to mitigate such issues and maintain the integrity of residential areas.

Overall, the proposed zoning changes reflect a commitment to preserving Apple Valley's rural character while accommodating future growth in a manner that aligns with community values. The council plans to hold further discussions and meetings to engage residents in the decision-making process.