Judge Schmidt Land and Resource Consulting presented a concept-plan unit development (PUD) for a nine‑lot subdivision at 4255 Wood Lane Drive. City planner Eric told the council the site is zoned R-2 (single‑family) with a current minimum lot size of three acres and guidance as rural/estate in the 2040 plan; the applicant is seeking feedback on an amendment that would change the comprehensive‑plan designation and minimum lot size to permit roughly three‑quarter‑acre lots and reduced lot width (from 160 feet to 135 feet) to create nine lots.

Eric said two recent infrastructure events changed development feasibility for the parcel: the extension of Hargis Parkway, which brought municipal sewer and water closer to the site, and construction of a municipal drinking-water well nearby. Because of the new municipal water availability and the proximity of the municipal well, staff told the council that future private wells should be minimized and that municipal utilities are likely to be required for new lots. Staff also told the council the concept-PUD process is an early, nonbinding review intended to give applicants guidance before committing to the full preliminary‑plat and permitting process.

Planning Commission liaison John Jarrett summarized the June 30 commission discussion and said the commission’s commentary was generally favorable but included concerns about tree preservation, sidewalk/trail connectivity and lot configuration. Commissioners raised options such as slightly adjusting lot sizes to improve tree preservation and adding pedestrian connections between lots in anticipation of future development to the south. Commissioner comments included both support for a transition of lot sizes and critiques that some lots were “too small.”

Council members discussed comp‑plan implications, timing relative to the city’s development‑phasing “pause,” pedestrian access to Bailey Elementary, cul‑de‑sac versus through‑street designs, snow‑storage and public‑works maintenance implications, and Lot 1 (an existing homestead) that would retain its driveway access to Wood Lane. Staff said the developer would fund a trail along the south side of Hargis Parkway to connect with existing trails; the trail and any sidewalk requirements would be reviewed as part of future plat and infrastructure design and would generally be the developer’s responsibility.

The hearing was closed for this concept‑PUD—closing the concept hearing does not replace subsequent neighborhood meetings, full public hearings or required reviews if a formal preliminary plat or comprehensive‑plan amendment is filed. Several council members asked staff to provide an update on the city’s phasing pause and timing before any final approvals proceed.

Why it matters: The proposal would change the parcel’s allowed development intensity and require a comprehensive‑plan amendment; staff warned that denying the change could allow a by‑right three‑acre subdivision with private wells, which staff said could pose greater risk to the municipal aquifer.

Next steps: The applicant will consider council and commission feedback and decide whether to submit a formal application for a preliminary plat and comp‑plan amendment; staff estimated construction, if pursued, would likely begin in 2026 at the earliest.