San Juan County Planning Commission reviews Easton Subarea Map Amendments for Affordable Housing

The San Juan County Planning Commission meeting on August 15, 2025, focused on proposed amendments to the Easton Subarea Plan, with significant discussions surrounding housing density and land capacity. The Department of Community Development recommended changes to the draft official map for the Easton subarea, emphasizing the need for consistency in the area plan.

A key point of contention arose regarding the density assumptions for the OPAL parcel, which is central to the housing strategy. Current calculations assume a density of six dwelling units per acre, but some commissioners argued that an increase to eight units per acre could eliminate the need for additional expansion areas, labeled B and C. This adjustment could potentially streamline development and better align with the county's housing goals.

Commissioner Bill raised concerns about the implications of overestimating land capacity, suggesting that the current surplus of 52 units might indicate that the county is expanding beyond necessary limits. He urged a careful review of density assumptions to ensure that the county does not overcommit to expansion areas that may not be needed.

The discussion highlighted the balance between providing sufficient housing opportunities and avoiding unnecessary land expansion. Other commissioners echoed these sentiments, questioning whether the surplus was standard practice or excessive. The consensus leaned towards a more conservative approach, suggesting that the commission should consider reducing the proposed expansion areas to align more closely with the land capacity analysis.

Public input is encouraged, with comments due by September 18, ahead of a potential hearing on September 19. The commission's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of housing development in the Easton area, as they navigate the complexities of density, capacity, and community needs.