Commission forwards 50‑lot Lookout at Canyon Del Rio preliminary plat to City Council

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to forward the preliminary plat for the "Lookout at Canyon Del Rio" (PZ23‑00224‑02) to City Council with a recommendation for approval. The proposal, filed by EPS Group on behalf of CDR Development, requests approval of a 50‑lot single‑family subdivision (attached and detached) on approximately 7.1 acres in the MR (Medium‑Density Residential) zone using Planned Residential Development (PRD) standards.

City planner Ben Mejia presented the application and said the plat proposes typical attached lot dimensions of about 25 by 80 feet and detached lots about 30 by 80 feet, with minimum lot area allowed under the PRD of 2,000 square feet. The subdivider proposes to preserve about 3.17 acres (44% of the net lot area) as common open space, exceeding the 15% minimum. The planner reported forest resource preservation on the site at 39%, which is below the calculated requirement of 47.5%, and said the project will use resource banking created by the Canyon Del Rio development agreement to cover the deficit. Slope preservation requirements were reported as met or exceeded.

Staff found the proposal met required PRD and MR zone standards, provided the PRD design elements claimed by the applicant (reduced front setbacks, CC&R language not prohibiting accessory dwelling units, exceeding minimum density by at least one whole unit per acre, and enhanced pedestrian areas) and met engineering and stormwater requirements as reviewed at the block‑plan level. Ben said water and sewer frontage mains are available and that two detention basins were sized to serve the tract.

During public comment and commission questions, commissioners asked about CC&Rs, ADU feasibility on small lots, on‑site parking and HOA plans. Charity Lee, entitlements manager for Capstone Homes, said product designs under consideration include three‑story units with a separate main‑level bedroom that could function as an ADU; she also said proposed projects in Juniper Point and Canyon Del Rio will need the amendment discussed earlier (RPO applicability) to meet density goals. Commissioners noted concerns about short‑term rentals and whether CC&Rs could be used to limit them; staff said CC&Rs are private deed restrictions the commission cannot legally require as a condition of plat approval.

A motion to forward the preliminary plat to City Council for approval was made by Commissioner Anne and seconded by Commissioner CJ Lukey; the motion carried.