City staff and the Milton Equestrian Committee reconvened discussion of large-lot incentives and access regulations for parcels of three acres or more, weighing what accessory structures and access options should be allowed as incentives.

Staff framed the conversation around accessory buildings and structures and asked the committee whether certain features should be "as of right" for 3-acre-plus parcels or should require administrative permits. Committee members generally supported allowing small, farm-related structures in front yards on large parcels: running sheds, chicken coops and greenhouses drew consensus as acceptable if they are well designed and sited. The group raised reservations about kennels (noting noise/nuisance concerns) and non-farm features such as sports courts and large guest houses that do not align with a farm/rural incentive.

On access rules, Community Development staff member Sarah described current limitations that tie access points to the "parent parcel" and presented examples where shared or modified access drives were used. Sarah proposed code language to allow additional driveway access for 3-acre parcels in certain configurations, with a 150-foot minimum spacing to avoid closely spaced driveways. She emphasized that safety and roadway geometry (medians, roundabouts, sight distance) remain governing constraints.

Sarah also outlined proposed procedural enhancements: a new staff "rural designer" position to support large-lot review, increased promotion of CUVA (Conservation Use Valuation Assessment), use of conservation easements and Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs), and a streamlined review track for qualifying large-lot projects.

During public comment Christie Hayes objected to asking an unelected advisory committee to weigh in on citywide land-use policy and asked why committee proposals presented to council earlier appeared to have changed. Hayes said land-use decisions belong to elected bodies. Julie Zahner Bailey (255 Hickory Flat Road) praised efforts to protect large tracts but warned that labeling 3 acres a "large lot" and loosening review could create unintended consequences: allowing by-right businesses or 25,000-square-foot arenas by right on smaller parcels would bypass public process and existing land-use protections. She urged a focused outreach process (a focus group and more targeted education on CUVA) before final recommendations go to council.

Staff said they would continue drafting code language and procedural materials and noted they had not yet inventoried all parcels that the change might affect. Committee members asked staff to return with more data, examples and a plan for stakeholder outreach before sending a final recommendation to council.