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Planning commission recommends rezoning 80-acre tract to R-1-20 ahead of MPDO proposal
Summary
The Tocqueville Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a zone change from Multi-Use (MU-20) to R-1-20 for three tax parcels (T-314230, T-314231, T-3167). The change, proponents said, is a prerequisite to a future MPDO application intended to concentrate development away from the Devil's Hole geological feature.
The Tocqueville Planning Commission on Sept. 10 voted to recommend that the City Council rezone three parcels (tax IDs T-314230, T-314231 and T-3167) from MU-20 (multi‑use) to R-1-20 (single‑family residential). The recommendation clears the way for a later application under the city's MPDO (Master Planned Development Overlay) process.
Commissioners and staff said the requested rezoning is consistent with the city's general plan and would establish the base residential zoning the developer must have before filing an MPDO application. Emily, a planning staff member who presented the item, told commissioners the area is already designated for residential uses in the general plan and therefore does not require a general‑plan amendment.
Adam Allen, representing American Consulting and Engineering, said the applicant is seeking the blanket R-1-20 zone "so we can come back and show you how we intend to cluster development and protect sensitive features." He told the commission that obtaining the residential zone does not guarantee MPDO approvals and that the MPDO application would return to the city for separate review of open space, clustering and design.
Paul Morris, who identified himself as the land manager and chair of the local district that holds title for part of the land, said the owners titled Devil's Hole in the district's name specifically to protect it and that the owners intend to preserve the formation and work with the city on public access and maintenance if a transfer of title occurs.
Commissioners asked about sensitive‑lands protections and whether the hillside and sensitive‑lands overlays would still restrict development on Devil's Hole. Staff answered that the site is subject to the city's hillside and sensitive‑lands ordinances and that those overlays will limit building in the sensitive areas regardless of base zoning.
After the public hearing produced no speakers, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of the zone change; another commissioner seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.
The commission's recommendation forwards the zone change to city council; any future MPDO application will be reviewed separately and must demonstrate how clustering, open space dedication and hillside protections will be enforced.
