The Town of Florence Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a preliminary plat that reconfigures Unit 72 at Anthem at Merrill Ranch to add 27 new lots and allow a smaller home product, often described in the meeting as “cottage” style models. The motion to approve case PZ2578 was made by Commissioner Wooley and seconded by Commissioner Pro; the commission voted in favor.

The change amends lot and tract lines within Unit 72 so Pulte can offer a smaller Sun City/Sun City–style home that retains a two‑car garage but has a smaller footprint. Engineer Jerry Baxter of Baxter Design Group told commissioners, “It’s a smaller product, still a 2 car garage ... really a smaller footprint, smaller square footage,” and said the relotting requires smaller lots to accommodate that product.

Commissioners sought and received a clarification on density. A commissioner noted the document showed an overall density of 4.3982 and asked whether that applied to Unit 72 or the entire PUD; staff and the applicant confirmed the density figure is “just for the unit.” The applicant and staff also said the proposed density for Unit 72 remains below the overall allowed density for the Anthem at Merrill Ranch planned unit development.

No members of the public spoke during the public hearing on this item, and the applicant did not present a multi‑media presentation beyond providing materials and answering questions. The commission’s action was an approval of the preliminary plat; any future submittals (final plat, building permits) will proceed according to the town’s standard review processes.

Case number: PZ2578. Applicant representative: Jerry Baxter, Baxter Design Group.

The commission’s approval authorizes the relotting shown in the preliminary plat; it does not itself change building code or architectural design beyond the lot sizes and layout reflected in the plat.