Wilson County planning staff presented an ordinance amendment on Nov. 21 that would change how planned-unit developments (PUDs) are structured in R1 and R2 districts. The resolution reduces the minimum acreage required for a PUD from 100 acres to 30 acres, applies a density guidance of 1.75 lots per acre, and requires any residential PUD to preserve at least 30% of the site as undisturbed open space that cannot count soils areas, detention, or roadway infrastructure.

Christopher, planning staff, told the commission the change is intended to provide a regulatory path for moderated density while protecting green space. "That 30% cannot be used for any of those infrastructure improvements. It will be left undisturbed," Christopher said. Board members asked whether walking trails or low-impact amenities could count toward required amenities and how the change would affect neighboring properties. Christopher said paved walking trails could count toward amenity requirements if they were low-disturbance, but high-impact amenities such as clubhouses would not be permitted in the preserved 30%.

Commissioners debated whether the change responds to developer pressure or to broader land-use goals; staff said the proposal aims to increase preservation and that the densities allowed are lower than neighboring counties’ PUDs. After discussion, the planning commission voted to recommend approval of the amended PUD ordinance and to forward the resolution to the county commission for final action at its next zoning meeting.

Next steps: The resolution will be placed on the county commission’s December agenda for a recommendation and public notice, after which the county commission will consider final adoption.