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Planning commission votes to recommend infill density amendment to Board of Aldermen
Summary
The commission voted to recommend P&Z 2024-6, a text amendment to define infill development and cap density at 125% of surrounding residential density, and asked staff to add a clear definition and an example calculation before the Board of Aldermen considers it.
The City of Pacific Planning & Zoning Commission voted to forward P&Z 2024-6 — a proposed text amendment to section 410020 — as a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen. The amendment would require infill development to maintain a density not to exceed 125% of the average surrounding residential development and to comply with the city's infill development guidelines. Anna, staff liaison, confirmed the city is the applicant and that the item had been posted for public hearing.
Commissioners agreed the change reflects language from the comprehensive plan that was never adopted into ordinance. Several commissioners, led in questions by Commissioner Bates, asked staff to clarify how the "125%" is calculated and over what area; staff said the ordinance calculates average density as lots per acre and that "adjacent residential" is meant to refer to immediately abutting properties unless otherwise defined. Commissioners asked staff to include an explicit definition of "infill development," provide a worked example of the 125% calculation (for public clarity), and note that a planned unit development (PUD) or conditional use permit (CUP) should not be used to circumvent the infill density limit.
After discussion, the commission called a voice vote to forward a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen. Commissioners who verbally recorded "yes" during the roll call vote included Commissioner Bates, Commissioner Coley, Commissioner Goodman, Commissioner Love, Commissioner Weymar, Commissioner Aycock and the chair; staff (Anna) will present the commission's recommendation to the Board at its next meeting. The commission did not adopt ordinance text at this meeting; members asked staff to draft clarified language and an illustrative calculation for the Board's consideration.
The commission also requested that staff ensure all commissioners receive updated ordinance books (several members noted they had older 2017 versions) so members have the current code available for review. No final ordinance was enacted at the meeting; the item will next appear before the Board of Aldermen as a recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
