Avon panel approves Family Promise development plan, forwards rezoning for Phase 2 to Town Council

Avon Advisory Planning Commission members approved a development plan for Family Promise (DPR 2416) and voted to forward a rezoning recommendation for an adjacent parcel (ZA2412, “Family Promise Phase 2”) to the Avon Town Council. The commission approved a waiver to reduce off‑street parking stall dimensions and then approved the development plan; it later voted to recommend rezoning about one acre from C2 to R5 for a second phase of townhouses.

Why it matters: The two items together would allow construction of a five‑unit building fronting Avon Avenue and a two‑unit building behind it (DPR 2416) and would enable a second phase immediately south that could add roughly seven additional units if the council approves the rezoning. Staff conditioned DPR approval on standard plan conditions and submission of a compliant lighting plan if exterior lighting is proposed.

The developer’s presentation said DPR 2416 covers two unimproved parcels on the west side of Avon Avenue near US‑36 and would provide seven residential dwelling units in a five‑unit townhouse building along Avon Avenue and two units in the rear, with parking in the middle. Staff noted the parcels were rezoned from C2 to R5 in early 2024 and that a Board of Zoning Appeals variance had already approved a reduced 10‑foot front setback for the front building. The submitted plan included building elevations adjusted to meet the town’s architectural standards and a landscape scheme staff found met minimum UDO requirements. Staff recommended approval with five conditions from the staff report and a further condition that petitioners submit a lighting plan if they install exterior lighting.

Petitioner representatives said Family Promise provides housing and support services to people seeking stable housing and that the prospective tenants would be “just like everybody here tonight” (Petitioner, Family Promise). The petitioner also told commissioners the project’s underground detention is not currently sized for a potential Phase 2 buildout but is expandable and that a photometric lighting study and lighting plan would be submitted if parking lot lighting is required.

Commission deliberations focused on the parking‑stall waiver (to reduce perpendicular spaces from 10×20 feet to 9×18 feet). Commissioners noted nearby developments use similar stall sizes and that the private lot would mostly be used by tenants rather than the general public. A motion to approve the waiver passed, and the commission then approved DPR 2416 "subject to the conditions listed in the staff report." After discussion of the Phase 2 rezoning, the commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Town Council for ZA2412 with conditions that include right‑of‑way dedication along Avon Avenue and assessment of recreation impact fees at permitting.

What the commission decided (actions at a glance): The commission voted to approve the parking‑stall waiver for DPR 2416 and then approved DPR 2416 (development plan review) subject to staff conditions. It also moved and voted to forward a favorable recommendation on ZA2412 (rezoning for Phase 2) to Town Council subject to staff conditions.

Staff and petitioner next steps: If the Town Council approves the rezoning, development of the Phase 2 parcel would proceed through standard DPR review. Petitioners said they will provide a lighting plan if required and will finalize storm‑water detention sizing if grant funding and rezoning proceed.

Ending: The commission’s approvals leave construction contingent on standard permitting and any Town Council action on the Phase 2 rezoning.