Planning commission recommends approval of Timber Ranch PUD rezoning with 10 deed-restricted workforce units

The Lake County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a planned-unit-development rezoning for the Timber Ranch subdivision that changes lot sizes and dimensional standards and includes 10 units deed-restricted for local workforce households at up to 40% of area median income (AMI).

The rezone request, File 25-02, would apply a PUD zoning control document to Tract B of Timber Ranch to permit smaller lots, higher density and design guidelines intended to produce a “mountain modern/cabin” architectural character. County planner Melissa (staff) told the commission the zoning control document will be recorded with the final plat and recommended a condition requiring staff and the applicant to correct minor clerical edits before recordation.

Staff said the proposed standards reduce the previous minimum lot size from 7,500 square feet to 3,775 square feet for the single-family/dwelling lots and set a minimum lot width of 35 feet, with narrow 25-foot green-space lots in places. Maximum residential lot coverage would be 67% and maximum density would increase to six dwelling units per acre. Minimum primary-structure living area in the proposed PUD is 1,000 square feet (the county’s urban residential standard is 600). Building height for primary structures remains 35 feet; accessory structures may not exceed 20 feet.

The applicant explained housing-affordability provisions included in the PUD. Nick (applicant) said the developer has committed 10 units for local workforce households restricted to up to 40% AMI through deed restrictions overseen by a housing authority or the county housing department. Nick said a 40% AMI restriction on a three-bedroom example yields an estimated sales price of about $400,000 for an owner-occupied unit—approximately $200,000 below market for that product—representing about $2,000,000 in collective developer concession across the 10 units.

Commissioners and staff discussed traffic and public infrastructure briefly; staff said the traffic study concluded no turn-lane improvements would be required on Evergreen in the proposals under review. Staff also noted that recordation will include the zoning control document; staff proposed a condition that staff work with the applicant to correct minor edits prior to recording. After deliberation, the planning commission voted to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners with the conditions read into the record.

The planning commission’s recommendation now moves to the Board of County Commissioners for decision review at a subsequent meeting.