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Commissioners recommend Wander Village 3 plan amendment but preserve 1,000 sq ft minimum for now
Summary
The commission advanced the Wander Community Plan Amendment (Village 3) to the city council with staff findings, approving new facade and architectural guidance while adding a condition that the existing 1,000 sq ft minimum dwelling size remain in place; commissioners discussed possible caps or council review for smaller units to address affordability.
The Planning Commission voted Dec. 11 to forward a positive recommendation on the Wander Community Plan Amendment 5 and Village Plan 3 Amendment 3 (Oakwood Homes) while adding an explicit condition that the city’s existing 1,000‑square‑foot minimum dwelling size be complied with at this stage.
Senior planner Gina Grandpre described changes to pedestrian connections, facade standards and building types. Staff said townhomes and other multifamily facades along the Riverwalk and public open space will require enhanced materials — including stone masonry — and that the plan adds prescriptive language to tie building‑permit elevations to village‑plan design standards. Oakwood Homes representatives (Greg Paley and Ken Ponzarelli of LAI Design) said the new architectural styles and palettes were developed to match the design guidance and that the firm intends to deliver elevations consistent with the village plan.
The most contested item concerned a requested exception to the city’s minimum multifamily dwelling size. Oakwood requested allowing some small “duet” or paired homes around 800–880 sq ft to expand attainable ownership options. Applicants described the product as a small percentage of the total (they estimated well under 10–15% in other markets). Commissioners and public commenters raised concerns about long‑term impacts: Commissioner Wheldon and others said the 1,000‑sq‑ft standard exists for reasons including neighborhood compatibility and durability; others supported affordability goals and proposed a cap on how many smaller units could be built. The developer offered to accept a percentage cap if the council required one.
Commissioner Kern moved to forward a positive recommendation with the staff findings and conditions and an additional condition that the current 1,000 sq ft city cutoff be complied with (while noting council could consider exceptions). Commissioner Wheldon seconded; the motion passed on voice and subsequent roll‑call discussion. The item will proceed to city council for final action.
Public questions and staff answers during the hearing covered guest‑parking rules (guest stalls required within 200 feet for rear‑loaded products), minimum driveway/apron standards (20‑foot minimum driveway; 5‑foot apron required), flood‑plain mitigation (FEMA elevation and fill requirements) and the ability of HOAs to limit rentals (staff said the city does not regulate private rental restrictions).
