Hayden City planning workshop clarifies comprehensive-plan goals; consultants to deliver redline by May 1

Hayden City’s Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council met April 9 in a joint workshop to clarify proposed changes to the city’s comprehensive plan and to direct consultants to prepare a redlined draft for public review by May 1.

The workshop, led by SMJ (SCJ) Alliance planners Aaron Mercar and Mike Harry and facilitated by City Community Development Director Donna (last name not specified in transcript), focused on how newly proposed goals and policies should be interpreted and where those policies should apply on the future land‑use map. Topics discussed included where to locate mixed‑use and higher‑density housing, how to protect existing single‑family neighborhoods from unwanted rezoning, how to account for infrastructure and park maintenance costs, and whether the plan should explicitly address aquifer recharge areas and wetlands.

Why it matters: changes to the comprehensive plan will guide future rezoning, development approvals and infrastructure investment across Hayden. Commissioners and council members said clearer policy language is needed so later code updates and project reviews follow a consistent intent.

Key clarifications and guidance - Mixed‑use and density: Staff and consultants advised that “mixed‑use” in Hayden should be interpreted as targeted areas — primarily along major arterials (for example Lancaster and Hayden avenues) — rather than as a blanket designation next to established low‑density neighborhoods. Several commissioners emphasized placing higher density where streets…