York County considers changes to cluster development acreage requirements

The York County Board of Supervisors convened on August 19, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the county's development ordinances, particularly focusing on mixed-use developments and cluster subdivisions. The meeting began with a review of performance standards for apartments within mixed-use developments, emphasizing the necessity for developers to adhere to existing landscaping and design requirements. This initiative aims to prevent issues that have arisen in past projects where standards were overlooked, leading to complications during the site plan phase.

A key point of discussion was the requirement for walkability in mixed-use developments. Board members expressed concerns about the practicality of sidewalks, questioning their utility if they lead to destinations that do not attract foot traffic. The conversation highlighted the need for thoughtful planning to ensure that pedestrian pathways connect meaningful destinations, rather than creating "sidewalks to nowhere."

The meeting then transitioned to proposed changes in the performance standards for cluster developments. Currently, a minimum of 10 acres is required to utilize cluster subdivision techniques, which allow for smaller lot sizes in exchange for preserving open space. The proposed amendment aims to reduce this minimum to 5 acres, a change intended to assist property owners with smaller parcels who wish to develop their land more efficiently while still maintaining open space requirements.

Board members raised concerns about the implications of this change, particularly regarding potential increases in housing density and the challenges of parking in more compact developments. The discussion underscored the importance of balancing development needs with community concerns about overdevelopment and maintaining quality of life.

The planning department clarified that the proposed changes would not increase overall density but would allow for more flexible development options. Developers would still be required to meet open space ratios, ensuring that a significant portion of land remains undeveloped. The conversation also touched on the necessity for public streets in cluster developments to avoid the financial burden of private road maintenance on small homeowner associations.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the need for further analysis and data on the impacts of cluster developments in other communities. The discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to refine York County's development policies to better serve both property owners and the community at large. The board plans to continue reviewing these proposals in future meetings, ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.