Hurricane council approves PDO and preliminary site plan for Gateway Boulevard development, schedules affordability work session

The Hurricane City Council voted to approve a planned development overlay (PDO) and preliminary site plan for a residential subdivision at the northeast corner of Gateway Boulevard in Jellystone, a proposal brought by Western Mortgage and Ant's Homes.

Developer representatives told the council the project will average roughly 6,200 square feet per lot and that the current plan reduces previously approved density by about 33 units. "We actually brought that density the density we used to have down by 33 units on this one," the project presenter said during the council discussion.

Councilmembers focused on housing type and affordability. One councilmember proposed a 2025 work meeting with incoming developers to discuss mixed-use options and voluntary affordability targets (for example, 5–10 percent affordable units). The council asked staff to arrange a sit-down with builders, utilities and planning staff; the developer, Troy, agreed he could provide ballpark pricing and product examples on short notice.

The presentation clarified product differences: the proposal includes smaller single-family lots intended for 1,500–1,800 square‑foot homes, two‑car garages for many units, and a consistent 20‑foot garage setback. Staff noted the planning commission heard the item on Dec. 12 and unanimously recommended approval.

Councilman Kevin Thomas moved to approve the item; a second was recorded and a majority of councilmembers voted in favor. After the vote, members directed staff to schedule the January work meeting to focus on affordability and to include utilities and other relevant departments.

Next steps: staff will finalize the PDO language for planning-commission review as the council requested and will coordinate the developer work session in early January.