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Unity Center rezoning approved after concessions on traffic and permanent closure option for neighborhood safety
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners approved a zoning application for Unity Center/Lennar to develop 22 single‑family homes after the applicant agreed to neighborhood concessions addressing traffic circulation, water/sewer connections and single‑story buffers adjacent to existing homes.
The county commission approved zoning application Z2023000244 filed by Unity Center and Lennar Homes, following a prior hearing and new neighborhood outreach. The applicant presented a 22‑home single‑family project (no CDMP change) and described a settlement with neighbors that included single‑story homes at the site edges, limits on construction traffic to protect local streets and a commitment to work with the county to permanently close or barricade 149th Avenue if permitted.
Applicant counsel said the site is under the same zoning context as an earlier approved phase and that the requested zoning (RU‑something consistent with phase 1) would continue the existing development pattern. The applicant noted the project will extend public water and sewer to the area, which staff and resident speakers said would allow neighbors to connect and reduce reliance on private wells and septics.
Multiple residents testified during public comment about traffic, safety and quality‑of‑life impacts from prior developments and current two‑way use of a one‑way road. Several speakers urged a permanent closure of Southwest 149th Avenue adjacent to the project; the applicant agreed to pursue closure with county traffic and public works and to fund any required work if county approvals are obtained. The applicant also agreed to limit construction access and provide a landscape buffer and pollinator‑friendly plantings requested by neighbors.
Staff clarified technical matters: the property may be developed as 22 units under workforce housing rules as of right in the current CDMP, but the applicant is requesting rezoning to build single‑family homes rather than duplexes/triplexes that could otherwise be permitted. The board discussed stormwater and connection to water and sewer mains; staff noted stormwater rules would apply under permitting and that the project will provide required retention and drainage improvements.
The item passed on roll call with the applicant's proffered covenant and the recorded settlement amendments (including single‑story perimeter units, dog‑park and access/roadwork commitments) integrated into the staff conditions. The applicant agreed to submit the final executed covenant within 30 days as required by staff.
