Planning commission approves RPUD rezoning for 44-acre Evans Farm parcel

The City of Delaware Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of RPUD 25-13, a zoning map amendment to convert a 44.05-acre parcel from A-1 agricultural to RPUD (residential planned unit development) for a portion of the Evans Farm master plan.

The request, filed by Miranda Holmes, would allow primarily townhouse-style, fee-simple units and associated private recreational facilities; staff recommended approval with amended conditions included in the commission packet. Planning staff said density is capped at a maximum of 5 dwelling units per acre and that the site contains a high-tension transmission line that diagonally bisects the property.

The rezoning is on a parcel just north of Peachblow Road and east of Winterbrook subdivision and will become subject to city zoning once a previously approved annexation takes effect next week, planning staff said. Staff also noted the site will continue to undergo Evans Farm review and the development will remain subject to Evans Farm private deed restrictions and architectural review board processes even after annexation.

Tom Hart, representing applicant Miranda Holmes, said the applicant had no objections to the conditions and had worked with city staff on the application. Hart said, “Miranda has no issues with the conditions including the amended conditions today.”

Commission discussion covered neighborhood connections, utility and road stub extensions into the site, tree preservation and the requirement that private streets be constructed to public standards. Staff explained that private streets are typically built to public standards but that details on transitions between private and public streets would be resolved at the development-plan stage with the city engineer.

A clarification from staff noted that because the parcel will not join the city’s South neighborhood community authority (NCA) directly, the applicant will be required to make a lump-sum payment in lieu of joining the city NCA, consistent with prior Evans Farm arrangements.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Feller moved to adopt RPUD 25-13 as recommended by staff and with the replacement pages noted in the packet; Commissioner Prowl seconded. The vote recorded Feller — yes; Prowl — yes; Nana — yes. Chairman Simpson stated on the record that he recused himself because of prior professional relationships with Evans Farm principals. The commission recommendation advances the rezoning to city council; first reading at council is scheduled for Oct. 13 and a public hearing for Oct. 27.

The commission’s approval is a recommendation to city council; final zoning and development details will be set at later review stages and at council public hearings.