Planning commission approves Green Valley Ranch East master plan amendment to allow more small lots and clarify signage
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Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 to approve a third amendment to the Green Valley Ranch East master plan that raises the permitted share of small residential lots from 50% to 65%, adds a 6.7‑acre mixed‑use corner, tightens design criteria and clarifies monument sign height to 20 feet, subject to resolution of technical issues before recordation.
The Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a third amendment to the Green Valley Ranch East master plan on Nov. 25 that increases the share of permitted small residential lots, clarifies monument sign height, and adds a 6.7‑acre administrative activity center.
Jeremiah Fettig, the case manager, told commissioners the amendment requests two major adjustments: raising the permitted percentage of small residential lots from 50% to 65% (small lots are defined in the UDO as frontage under 50 feet or lot area under 4,500 square feet) and clarifying that primary monument features can reach 20 feet where consistent with the plan. Staff recommended approval, saying the design criteria included in the amendment — tighter block length limits, required trail connections, lower maximum fence heights, and increased guest parking — would improve connectivity and pedestrian access while mitigating potential parking and streetscape impacts.
"This request is to increase the permitted percentage of small lots in the master plan from 50% to 65%," Fettig said, outlining the change. He added that the amendment does not increase the total number of permitted residential units within the overall master plan.
Leila Rosales, a designer with Terracino Design presenting for applicant Clayton Properties, told the commission the amendment functions as a prototype tied to Aurora’s small‑lot initiative and in fact reduces the maximum dwelling units in the residential area from 3,888 to 3,820 while increasing neighborhood parks and open space. Rosales said the amendment includes 17 design criteria that go beyond base UDO standards to promote walkability and provide at least one guest parking space per unit.
Commissioners asked about neighborhood outreach and traffic; staff said 155 abutting property owners and seven registered neighborhood organizations were notified and that traffic analysis on a potential roundabout had not yet been completed. Staff recommended approval with one condition: resolution of outstanding technical issues prior to recordation of the master plan. Commissioner Hogan moved the approval; Commissioner Busch seconded. The motion passed on a 7-0 roll call.
The approved amendment designates a 6.7‑acre AAC (administrative activity center) at the northeast corner of North Tibet Road and E. 38th Avenue and adopts additional neighborhood design principles intended to preserve connectivity, provide usable open space and limit front‑loaded units to protect on‑street parking and streetscape character.
