Planning Commission sets March 6 public hearing on Master Planned Community (MPC) ordinance revisions

The Willard City Planning Commission voted Feb. 6 to set a public hearing for March 6 to consider proposed revisions to the Master Planned Community (MPC/MPZ) ordinance (referred to in the meeting as chapter 12 1 0 6).

Maddie, a Willard City staff member, said the draft ordinance incorporates staff and mayoral comments, and commission members have had multiple prior review sessions. Maddie said commissioners could continue to propose edits before the public hearing; the commission planned the March date to allow more time for review and to present a more complete draft at the hearing.

Commission discussion focused on density and flexibility. Commissioners and members of the public said they supported including baseline density limits or minimum lot sizes so applicants would have clarity. John Pierce, a resident, recommended adding a minimum lot‑size or minimum average density to give developers a starting point and to prevent ad hoc “fudging” in future proposals. Staff said the draft contains a density cap phrased as “no more than 2 units per developable acre” and that the development agreement will be the vehicle for negotiating details and phasing.

The commission voted to set the public hearing for March 6 so the item could return with any revisions requested by commissioners and with staff recommendations. Commissioners and staff also discussed adding language to the ordinance to require a planner review for completeness before an application is scheduled for a public hearing.

By setting the hearing date, the commission established a schedule for further review and public input; staff said the commission will receive a public notice and full packet prior to the March 6 hearing.