Planning commission presses developer for road, pedestrian safety fixes on Far West Drive subdivision

At a Farr West Planning Commission work session, commissioners said they need a clear, costed plan from the developer and city staff to address safety and access issues on Far West Drive before they advance a proposed 39‑lot subdivision.

Commissioners, staff and residents spent the session reviewing the existing condition of Far West Drive — described repeatedly as an undersized, badly degraded roadway that is roughly 20 feet wide in places — and possible remedies including adding pavement width, a painted pedestrian/bike demarcation, or a separated path. Commissioners emphasized that winter conditions and school bus loading frequently reduce the usable width, turning the street functionally into a one‑lane facility where pedestrians and vehicles can be forced into the same space.

Why it matters: The subdivision would route additional traffic onto Far West Drive, most from drivers who do not live on the street. Commissioners said that could increase safety risks for residents and children who wait for school buses along the corridor. Because the proposal has 39 lots, it also raises fire/emergency‑access questions tied to the International Fire Code threshold that typically requires a second approved access for more than 30 single‑family dwellings on a single access road.

Most important facts

- Proposed subdivision size and access: Participants said the proposal as discussed in the session would create 39 lots served from roads that connect to Far West Drive. The International Fire Code (as referenced in the meeting) generally requires two separate accesses when single‑family development exceeds 30 units; planners noted some fire officials interpret thresholds…