Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Residential Density topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee debates density language, preference for SF-3 and how to avoid legal vagueness
Summary
Steering committee members argued over objective wording that would establish a one-dwelling-unit-per-acre standard and whether to explicitly prefer SF-3 zoning, noting that the comprehensive plan guides but does not itself substitute for ordinance specificity.
Steering committee members reviewed goal and objective language governing residential density and whether the comprehensive plan should explicitly prefer SF-3 zoning where larger tract development is appropriate.
The draft plan includes an objective to “maintain a residential density of no more than 1 dwelling unit per a minimum of 1 acre of developable land.” Committee members discussed whether that numeric standard should be repeated elsewhere in the plan and whether the plan should state an explicit “preference for SF-3” (a local single-family zoning category) for certain large-tract developments.
Some members cautioned that the comprehensive plan is a guiding document and not the same as an ordinance. Marie (Committee participant) reminded the group the comp plan “is a guide, but it’s not a defense” legally, and that ordinance language in the zoning and subdivision code provides enforceable standards. Others argued that referencing SF-3 in the plan would make the city’s intent clearer to applicants and staff; Joe (Steering Committee member) suggested cross-referencing objectives 1.1 and 1.2 rather than repeating the numerical standard multiple times.
On balance the group agreed to avoid unnecessary repetition while ensuring the plan directs implementers to the specific density objectives in Section 1, and to insert a reference to SF-3 where it helps clarify preferred form rather than creating a conflicting regulatory statement.
Staff will reflect these changes and prepare a revised draft with cross-references and implementation notes indicating which specifics must be set by ordinance.
No formal action was taken; the committee requested wording that provides guidance without overstepping into ordinance-level specificity.
