Board agrees to explore text amendment for 'civic use' PUD after fire department proposes training site on Dunning Road

Trustees directed staff Feb. 4 to prepare a zoning text amendment to address planned unit developments (PUDs) intended exclusively for civic uses, after the Sugar Grove Fire Protection District presented plans for a phased training site on Dunning Road.

Staff said the existing PUD ordinance addresses residential, commercial and industrial PUDs and contains provisions such as sequencing requirements that tie nonresidential structures to residential development. The fire department’s plan for a training facility — which would remain in an E‑1 zoning district and include specialized structures such as a burn tower and multiple training buildings developed in phases — does not fit the current PUD language.

Trustees agreed the most logical path is a text amendment that creates a civic‑use PUD category with standards tailored to nonresidential public safety uses. Staff warned that the department may need to continue or postpone pending public‑hearing steps until the amendment is drafted and available for review.

Trustees encouraged staff and the fire department to collaborate on application materials and noted staff can continue the planning‑commission review process while the ordinance is prepared. The board did not take a final vote on zoning; it directed staff to prepare the amendment and return with draft language for planning‑commission and public hearings.

Ending: Staff will draft a PUD text amendment to address civic uses, coordinate with the fire department on application materials, and present draft language to the planning commission and board for public hearing and action.