Council adopts zoning text amendment to allow townhomes; approves Sierra Vista PUD for 66-unit townhome project
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Summary
The council approved a zoning text amendment that permits townhomes outside existing PADs and amended LDO language to ease development of constrained sites. The council then approved a Planned Unit Development overlay and rezoning to allow a 66-townhome project at Greenway Road and 140th Drive.
The Surprise City Council on May 20 approved two related land-use items: a zoning text amendment to the Land Development Ordinance that expands where townhomes may be permitted, and a rezoning/PUD overlay that clears the way for a 66-unit townhome community at Greenway Road and 140th Drive in the Sierra Verde area.
The zone text amendment (case FS24-1431) removes limiting language in chapter 106-4.3(c)(4) of the Surprise Land Development Ordinance so townhomes can be permitted more broadly and strikes a reference to “lot area per dwelling unit” to help accommodate challenging or constrained sites. Planning staff told council the change is intended to allow creative site designs and help build diverse middle-housing options consistent with the General Plan 2040. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval.
Shortly after adopting the text amendment, council approved a PUD overlay and rezoning (case FS24-0503) that will allow developer ZEN Investing to pursue a 66-townhome community on a parcel near the Greenway/140th intersection. Applicant representative Bridal Ray presented a concept plan showing a mix of two-story townhome buildings in configurations of three- to eight-unit buildings; each unit will include a two-car garage and the site design includes guest parking and 20% open space. Ray said the corner has proven difficult to attract commercial development despite commercial zoning and that the townhome plan provides a density transition between adjacent one- and three-story rental properties.
Council members asked about traffic impact analysis; staff said a traffic statement estimated 452 daily vehicle trips from the completed development, with AM peak hour trips of 22 and PM peak trips of 29–36. The applicant said the project would preserve an existing community monument sign via an easement and provide conduit for electricity to that sign. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval subject to stipulations; council voted unanimously to approve the zone text amendment and the Sierra Vista PUD rezoning.
The approvals begin the entitlement process; the developer must complete preliminary platting, final engineering and meet PUD standards before building permits are issued.
