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Council annexes 15.8-acre Hilltop parcel as R‑1 zoning after public comment on open‑space and access
Summary
The Laramie City Council approved annexation and R‑1 zoning for a 15.8‑acre Hilltop parcel, with staff noting fire‑access limits the site to 29 units and residents urging preservation of open space and recreational features.
The Laramie City Council on May 6 approved the annexation and rezoning of a 15.8‑acre parcel known as the Hilltop parcel to R‑1 (single‑family residential), and authorized the mayor and clerk to sign the ordinance. The measure passed 9‑0.
City planning staff said the R‑1 designation aligns with surrounding neighborhoods and the Laramie comprehensive plan while avoiding certain uses allowed in other residential zones. “The 15.8 acre parcel, known as the Hilltop parcel, which is proposed for annexation, is being recommended as taken in under the R‑1 zoning category,” planning staff said. Staff also told council that, because there is a single access point from Hilltop Drive, fire code would limit any development to 29 units regardless of zoning.
The vote follows public comment from neighbors and the property owner. Derek Jones told council, “I just think that this council should take caution on what we decide to do as a community to allow our kids to play on fun stuff like this…People utilize W Hill all the time.” Tom Willis, who identified himself as the owner of W. Hill and said he had joined the meeting late, said the owner had considered park use previously and that he is “hearing some of these comments…we're taking into consideration as we begin our development plans.”
Council members and staff described annexation as the first step in a multi‑stage development review process. Planning staff said after annexation and rezoning a developer would submit a preliminary plat, which would trigger a planning commission review, mailed notice to properties within 300 feet, newspaper advertisement and other public‑notification steps; a final plat would follow those same notification steps.
Councilors praised the public engagement and asked staff to ensure drainage and stormwater concerns are addressed during preliminary plat review. Officials said city engineering and public works would require that post‑development runoff match predevelopment runoff, typically through retention or detention requirements.
The ordinance was introduced on third reading and approved on the same night. Councilors who made and seconded the motion were Councilor O'Doherty (mover) and Vice Mayor Richardson (second).
