Willard commission sets March 6 public hearing on Master Plan Community (MPZ) ordinance

The Willard City Planning Commission voted Feb. 6 to set a public hearing for March 6 on a revised Master Plan Community (MPZ) ordinance, after commissioners debated density limits, minimum lot sizes and how much discretion staff and elected officials should retain.

Staffer Maddie described the MPZ revisions as the result of multiple rounds of comment from staff, the mayor and the commission. Commissioners discussed potential minimum-density provisions and whether to preserve language allowing the city discretion to judge whether a proposed plan is in the city’s best interest. Commissioner John Pierce, speaking as a resident, urged a minimum lot-size standard: "I think it's a great idea to have a mini minimum lot size just to have in there," he said, arguing it gives developers a clear baseline.

Commission members asked staff to add optional language for minimum/average density, to clarify procedures for preliminary work meetings, and to confirm whether previously grandfathered PUDs or rezones would remain in place. After discussion the commission moved, seconded and approved a motion to schedule the MPZ public hearing for March 6.

What happens next: staff will refine ordinance language and return the MPZ proposal with the refined language and a public hearing notice for the March 6 meeting.