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Planning commission backs code changes to bar gated communities and tighten turf rules, with carve-outs for single lots
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of two land‑use code amendments: one prohibiting community‑scale gated developments (with an explicit exclusion for single private residential lots) and another to align local landscaping rules with a new state law limiting nonfunctional turf and restricting most artificial turf, subject to staff‑recommended conditions.
The Timnath Planning Commission voted to recommend that Town Council adopt amendments to the town's land‑use code that would generally prohibit the establishment of gated communities in new residential developments and update landscaping rules to comply with a recently enacted state law limiting nonfunctional turf and invasive plantings.
Staff told the commission the gated‑community amendment would add a definition and prohibit residential developments where vehicular or pedestrian access to multiple residences is restricted by gates, walls, fences or other barriers, with exceptions only for emergency or utility access. Staff proposed adding the restriction in both Article 5 (access) and Article 6 (lot layouts) so it would apply to subdivisions and site plans.
Developer Greg Bamford of White Wing…
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