Developers updating the preliminary development plan for Silver Hills told the Lorain Planning Commission the project’s unit count has increased and additional design changes will require further review and a parking variance.

At a commission meeting, staff said the Silver Hills application (PDP02‑2024) was revised to raise the number of dwelling units from 150 to 172 and to increase the number of buildings from seven to 11. The tallest building’s height was reduced in response to concerns raised by the city fire department. Because the revised plan does not provide the required number of parking spaces, the project will need a parking variance at a later hearing.

Staff and commissioners noted that the submission on file is an informational update; the project will return to zoning and planning commission hearings after review by the city council and as the final development plan is submitted. Site details that are deferred to later reviews include dumpster and loading locations, required screening for those elements, and groundwater concerns raised by the public.

Kate Golden of the city’s engineering department was identified by staff as the reviewer who will evaluate groundwater issues once formal plans are resubmitted. Staff also told the audience that final development plans must show loading and dumpster locations and that those elements must be screened under the city’s development standards.

A nearby resident who attended both the zoning board and planning commission hearings asked where dumpsters will be placed and whether a physical barrier—such as a fence or tree line—would be provided between the project and neighboring properties. Commissioners and staff encouraged the resident to attend future hearings and to submit written questions to planning staff, and they provided a copy of the submitted materials for review.

Commission discussion referenced wildlife and neighborhood impacts raised by an attendee but treated those remarks as public comment rather than conditions of approval. The planning commission did not take a formal vote on the Silver Hills update at the informational hearing; staff confirmed the matter will be considered at subsequent zoning and planning commission meetings and by the city council as part of the continuing review process.