Council approves final map for 34‑lot Highland subdivision; developer open to public‑safety CFD pending rate study

The Highland City Council on June 24 approved the final map for Track Map 20387, a proposed 34‑lot residential subdivision located just north of Baseline between Buckeye and Church avenues, described by staff as “right behind Smart And Bridal.”

Octavio, a planning staff member, told the council the project has met all conditions of approval and that the planning commission approved the project in 2022. At the council’s request during an earlier meeting, staff has discussed with the developer the formation of a public safety community facilities district (CFD) to fund police and fire services. Octavio said the developer “expressed willingness and openness to participate” but wants to see the calculated per‑lot CFD rate before formally committing.

City staff said they have initiated the CFD fee study and expect to have a per‑lot amount by July. Planning staff outlined an accelerated schedule intended to allow the CFD process to be initiated before homes go on sale: staff said they intend to complete the study in July, hold the initiation hearing in August or September, and follow with the public formation hearing at least 30 days after initiation. Staff said the developer was grading the site and expected to begin home sales in late fall.

Council members asked whether participation in a CFD was a condition of project approval; Octavio said it was not. “It wasn’t identified as a condition at that time,” Octavio said, noting the planning commission approved the project in 2022.

Mayor Pro Tem McKellen moved to approve the final map; another council member seconded the motion. The council voted by voice and approved the map.

Staff also noted to the council that the CFD mechanism being studied could apply to other pipeline projects, not only this subdivision.