Developer seeks PUD amendment for Brooks Phase 3 to allow Epcon cottage-style homes; commission takes public comment

Petitioners returned to the commission Tuesday to request an amendment to the alternate plan for Phase 3 of The Brooks planned-unit development. The change would restore a 10-foot front-yard setback on a subset of cottage-style (CS) lots, reduce rear-yard setbacks to 10 feet across CS lots and add design conditions that driveways be at least 20 feet long and that no parking be allowed along Trailway Lane.

The petitioner, represented by Todd Leith, said the changes are driven by a new builder for the CS lots — Epcon Communities — whose cottage-style product places porches and living spaces closer to the street while keeping the garage location similar to previous plans. Leith said restoring the 10-foot front setback enables the porches to project closer to the sidewalk while the minimum-driveway requirement preserves at least 20-foot driveway lengths so parked vehicles do not block sidewalks.

Engineering staff recommended a condition to prohibit parking along Trailway Lane because that right of way is narrower. Public comment and commission questions covered lot coverage, the tight composition of the CS lots (roughly 6,000-square-foot lots), how the courtyard-style homes function without rear access, and the homeowners’ association maintenance expectations for small-lot, low-maintenance living.

No vote was taken; the item will return for a future plan-commission action once final plan details and conditioned site drawings are submitted. Petitioner asked that any approval include a recorded replat showing the final setbacks for enforcement and real-estate clarity.

Why it matters: The request alters setbacks and design standards for a specific phase of a large PUD and is tied to the product type and marketing strategy of an age-targeted home builder. Driveway length and parking restrictions are technical adjustments intended to preserve pedestrian access and prevent sidewalk blockage.