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Commission adopts ordinance requiring site plans, maintenance standards for golf courses; deadline extended for Weston Hills
Summary
The commission unanimously adopted an ordinance establishing a process to require site plans for golf courses, clarifying maintenance obligations and extending the compliance deadline for Weston Hills to July 2027 with an administrative path for minor changes.
The Weston City Commission on April 7 adopted an ordinance amending the City Code to require site plans for golf courses, strengthen property‑maintenance requirements and provide an administrative review path for minor changes.
City Manager Decker told the commission the ordinance (second reading) follows discussions with representatives of Weston Hills Golf Course, who had raised concerns about timing and burden. Staff revised the draft to clarify that maintenance obligations apply to the entire golf course “in perpetuity,” whether the course is operating or not, and to extend the deadline for submitting an existing‑condition site plan for Weston Hills from July 2026 to July 2027.
Decker said the code does not dictate the level of maintenance for playing areas such as fairways and greens because those standards vary with course operation, but it does require courses to maintain the property to protect adjacent rights‑of‑way and the community. For changes that are minor and localized—examples given included potential modifications near a tennis court—staff created an administrative review process so such work may be approved without a full site plan review, which staff said can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Commissioners expressed support for the compromise. Commissioner Jaffe said he rode the courses recently and praised Weston Hills’ condition; Vice Mayor Henry Mead and others also voiced approval of the approach. There were no public objections recorded at the meeting.
The ordinance was moved by Commissioner Jaffe and seconded by Commissioner Andrade and was adopted on a unanimous roll‑call vote by Mayor Margaret Brown, Vice Mayor Henry Mead, Commissioner Molina McPhee, Commissioner Jaffe and Commissioner Andrade.
Staff indicated the administrative process will be managed by the Planning Department; the item does not specify penalties or enforcement timelines beyond continued enforcement of existing property‑maintenance codes.
