Planning commission reviews Bennett Farms master development; public hearing rescheduled

Western River County Planning Commission met in a work session on May 6 to review the Bennett Farms master development agreement and an updated land-use table for the Bennett Farms project. County staff, the project team and commission members discussed zoning under a transect-based model, uses for different transect zones, open-space dedication and park improvements along the Weaver River corridor, obligations and oversight tied to a town architect, stormwater/flood studies for areas close to the river, and how phasing and partial assignment should be managed.

The discussion mattered because the draft agreement would vest many long-term approvals and design standards for a large, multi-phase development. Commissioners and staff focused on provisions that affect public access and river-park improvements, who enforces design standards over the multi-decade term, and what conditions should be required before sub-phases are approved. Several procedural items were also set: staff and the developer agreed to reschedule the public hearing to June 10 and to hold an additional work session on June 3 so staff and commissioners can review revisions before a hearing.

Planning and zoning details The project team presented an updated land-use table built around transect zones (T2–T5 and special districts). Commissioners and staff asked for clearer limits where the more intensive transect zones meet rural areas, and for language to require transitions between transects so that, for example, a high-intensity T5 edge does not abut T2 without intermediate zones. County staff said they will add cross-references to the TNZ/design code where those transition rules live.

Weaver River corridor, open space and trail…