Council approves Mountain Village setback change for 89.7-acre conditional zone amid tree and stormwater concerns

Council approved a modification to the Mountain Village conditional zoning on Dec. 9 that reduces a self-imposed front setback from 25 feet to 10 feet for portions of the 89.7-acre project on Goodman Road.

Staff and the applicant—Teresa Carroll and engineer Eric Hutchison—told council the change was intended to give builders flexibility on steep lots, reduce grading and foundation costs, and keep more land undisturbed. Planning staff noted the project already includes conditions requiring at least 25 acres of open space and a maximum grading limit of roughly 39–43.5 percent of the parcel, and that the planning board had voted unanimously (6–0) to recommend the modification.

Council asked detailed questions about tree-planting requirements, sidewalks vs. trails, the placement and footprint of multiple stormwater ponds (staff said the first phase includes numerous small bioretention/rain-garden style measures and that some ponds also serve future phases), and how many lots would actually be built to the 10-foot line. The applicant said they expect a range of lot designs—some with 10-foot front setbacks and others with 25 feet—so the change would not force all lots to be built to 10 feet.

One councilmember voted no on the final motion, expressing concern that too many homes built close to the street would leave inadequate space for mature street trees and diminish the long-term character of neighborhoods. Staff responded that street-tree spacing rules (one tree per ~40 linear feet) and phase-level reviews, including final landscaping checks before certificate of occupancy issuance, give the town tools to ensure appropriate planting in final construction.

The motion to approve the modification passed 4–1. Staff said they will continue phase-level reviews and that developers must comply with the existing open-space and grading conditions.