Commission recommends preliminary approval for Aspen Ridge townhome concept

The commission recommended approval to the City Council for preliminary plans for Aspen Ridge, a proposed development of townhomes and multiplex units on about 6.5 acres.

Russell Atkins, the applicant, said the current concept envisions roughly 70 units on R‑2 land, with a mix of townhomes and potential fourplex or fiveplex concepts on an adjacent 4.1‑acre portion. Atkins said the plan includes private roads, access easements, and an HOA to manage common responsibilities such as snow removal, trash pickup and irrigation. He noted that the project team had adjusted plans to reflect a five‑foot side‑setback change, which could allow additional units.

Staff and commissioners discussed access to rear yards, fence expectations and the HOA structure. Atkins said the units would have interior access to rear yards and that access easements would be recorded against titles when fences are needed. Staff said an HOA would be a requirement and would address maintenance responsibilities.

A commissioner made a motion to recommend approval to City Council and the commission approved the recommendation by voice vote. Staff noted that the plan’s viability presumes that the City Council will approve a concurrent zoning change allowing single‑family attached units as a conditional use; the applicant and staff said they were working through that process and had not been told of any opposition so far.

The commission recorded no amendments to the preliminary plan; the recommendation forwards the proposal to City Council for final action.

Votes at the meeting on this item: motion to recommend approval passed by voice vote; no recorded opposition was indicated in the transcript.