Planning Commission recommends reduced setback for limited Homestead parcels adjacent to golf course open space

The Midway City Planning Commission voted to recommend a change to the city’s land‑use code that would permit a reduced peripheral setback — as little as 10 feet — for structures inside resort master plans that border dedicated golf course open space, a change staff said would apply almost exclusively to the Homestead master plan.

Staff framed the amendment as narrowly targeted. Michael, the presenting staff member, said the proposed language would leave the 100‑foot default setback in place for most resort parcels but would allow a 10‑foot setback “for structures in a resort master plan that are adjacent to dedicated golf course open space parcels,” noting the draft language preserves room for standard public utility easements.

Why it matters: the change would let certain Homestead building pads be moved eastward to address slope, driveway and flood‑plain constraints without expanding building footprints. Staff estimated only a handful of future buildings in the Homestead could use the provision and that one potentially eligible building already under construction would not be eligible unless expanded.

Voices at the hearing were split. Commissioner Craig and others cautioned that cutting setbacks from 30 feet (the Homestead’s vested condition) to as little as 10 feet would shrink visible green corridors and reduce open space between homes and the golf course. “I think 30 feet is a minimum,” one commissioner said, adding a reduction to 10 feet would be “a slow degradation of green space.”

Representatives for the applicant emphasized the change was about grading and design, not larger homes. Ben Shakespeare, representing the Homestead, told the commission the move was intended to address slope and driveway layout and that the project did not seek larger building square footage: “We want the flexibility in the setbacks,” he said, adding the homes would be “the same size as what you see.”

A Links HOA representative, Gary Gorga, urged commissioners to note the golf course land is held under a permanent golf course easement and explained a clause that could return land to the Links if the course were closed for two years. Gorga said that detail affects how residents perceive whether new houses are “closer to their land.”

Outcome and next steps: After public comment and discussion, the commission moved and seconded a recommendation of approval (including a requested note limiting increases in structure size), and the motion carried. The commission’s action is a recommendation to the City Council, which will make the final decision on the code amendment and any implementing conditions or limits.

Provenance: staff presentation, applicant comments, commissioner questions and public testimony occurred during the Homestead code amendment public hearing and the commission recommendation.