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Planning commission backs revised PUD rules, sends recommendation to county commission
Summary
After debate over density and preservation, the board voted to recommend an amendment to Wilson County's PUD overlay: minimum acreage lowered to 30 acres, density tied to 1.75 lots/acre, and a required 30% permanently preserved open space; recommendation will go to the county commission in December.
The Wilson County Planning Commission voted Nov. 21 to recommend an amendment to the county’s Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay, sending the measure on to the county commission for final consideration.
Christopher, speaking for planning staff, outlined the key changes: the minimum tract size for a PUD would drop from 100 to 30 acres; the ordinance ties density to 1.75 lots per acre (which on 30 acres equates to roughly 53 lots); and a minimum 30% of a residential PUD must be preserved open space that cannot be used for soils areas, detention ponds, roads or other infrastructure. Staff said the preservation requirement aims to leave significant green space undisturbed.
Commissioners questioned whether the proposed text reduces protections for neighbors or was developer‑driven. Christopher said the proposal is not the result of outside pressure, and that the draft requires more preservation than neighboring counties’ PUDs in some respects. Commissioners discussed lot separation (10‑foot side‑yard minimum noted in the draft), setback minimums, and allowed amenities within the preserved open space; staff clarified that higher‑impact amenities such as a clubhouse would generally not be permitted inside the 30% preservation area but trails might be counted if low‑disturbance.
After discussion, Chair moved to approve the ordinance as drafted and forward it to the county commission; the motion passed by voice vote. Christopher said the recommended ordinance will appear on the county commission agenda in December for final action.
What happens next: the county commission will review and vote on the PUD amendment following the planning commission’s recommendation. If adopted, the ordinance will allow smaller‑acreage PUDs under the new standards but requires a fixed preservation component and specific setback guidance.
