In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant amendments to the comprehensive master plan affecting a 2.1-acre parcel located at the northwest corner of Lone Mountain Road and Farrell Street. The proposed changes involve reclassifying the land from Ranch Estates to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to facilitate the construction of six single-family homes.

The planning staff recommended approval of three key items: the amendment to the land use designation, the rezoning request, and the accompanying tentative map for the subdivision. However, they emphasized the importance of maintaining protections for neighboring properties within the Ranch Estates Preservation District. To address these concerns, the proposed development will retain a rural preservation overlay, ensuring that the new homes adhere to a more rural development pattern, which includes specific requirements for street design and equestrian trails.

The minimum lot size for the new homes is set at 15,000 square feet, allowing potential buyers to keep horses, as the area requires 7,500 square feet per horse. This aspect of the development was highlighted as beneficial for future homeowners. Additionally, the developer has agreed to implement several conditions to mitigate impacts on existing rural uses. These include a disclosure statement for buyers regarding the adjacent rural activities, the construction of an eight-foot decorative block wall along the property line, and a stipulation that all homes will be single-story with an option for an RV garage.

The developer's representative, Jennifer Laszovich, noted that two neighborhood meetings were held to gather input from local residents, which helped shape the additional conditions proposed. The project aims to balance the needs of new residents with the preservation of the existing rural character of the area.

Overall, the planning staff's recommendations and the developer's commitments reflect a concerted effort to ensure that the new development aligns with community standards while accommodating growth. The approval of these items is expected to move forward, pending any further inquiries from the public or officials.