Lennar’s Willowbrook proposal seeks rezoning to SF‑6 for 91 lots; commissioners raise concerns about lot coverage and two‑story massing

Lennar presented a study session on April 2 for a proposed Willowbrook residential subdivision (approx. 26 acres) east of Val Vista Drive near Riggs Road. The applicant is seeking a general plan amendment from Residential 0‑1 dwelling units per acre to Residential 2‑3.5 (the Santan character area limit) and a rezoning from SF‑43 to SF‑6 with a PAD overlay to permit approximately 91 lots (about 3.45 dwelling units per acre).

Why it matters: The project introduces a higher density product in a low‑density area, triggering neighbor concern: the applicant modified the plan from an earlier 116‑lot layout to 91 lots after neighborhood meetings, but residents still pressed on traffic, requested single‑story homes along the southern boundary and asked for additional landscaping.

Requested deviations and staff position: The applicant requested multiple deviations from the Land Development Code, including reduced front setbacks (10 feet from livable porch or side‑entry garage to property line), reduced side setbacks (from required 5/10 to 5/5), and increased lot coverage (single‑story from 45% to 55%; two‑story from 40% to 55%). Staff is generally supportive of a rezoning to SF‑6 but expressed concern about the scope of the requested deviations given the vacant nature of the property (no existing constraints) and recommended caution on the two‑story lot coverage increase. Commissioners asked for clarity on typical home sizes (staff reported plans in the submittal range about 2,400 to 3,400 square feet) and asked the applicant to limit two‑story massing where abutting existing single‑story homes.

Neighborhood process and changes: The developer held two neighborhood meetings. After the first meeting, Lennar reduced unit count from 116 to 91, increased lot depth along the southern boundary and agreed to match an approximately 30‑foot landscaping buffer on Marathon Ranch to produce roughly 60 feet of perimeter landscape. After the second meeting the applicant agreed to a single‑story condition along the southern boundary. Commissioners noted the applicant’s responsiveness but continued to question the number and scope of the requested deviations.

What’s next: Staff recommended continued refinement of the deviation requests and asked the applicant to provide more detail on one‑ and two‑story building forms and parking. The commission provided direction — not a vote — asking staff and the applicant to address two‑story massing and to clarify the intent and limits of the requested deviations before a formal rezoning hearing.

Ending: The commission did not vote; staff will continue to work with Lennar on alternate lot coverage and setback approaches to respond to neighborhood concerns and to reduce the number or scope of deviations requested.