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Commission previews economic development plan, debates developable‑acre definitions and ag‑easement treatment
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a draft Willard City economic development strategic plan and spent significant time discussing zoning definitions — notably how 'developable acre' and agricultural easements should be treated in open‑space calculations and whether developers should compensate the city for development rights.
Willard City planning staff presented a draft economic development strategic plan for commissioner review on Feb. 19, and the commission spent the remainder of the meeting discussing zoning definitions and the treatment of agricultural easements in the MPC (Master Planned Community) zone.
Staff asked commissioners to review the draft plan and return comments before the next meeting; commissioners asked whether the city intends to fund or staff economic development work, and staff said Maddie (planning staff) would serve in that role in practice while the mayor and staff pursue outside partnerships.
The meeting then moved to zoning definitions. Commissioners said the plan and MPC code should more clearly define "developable acre" for density calculations so roads, stormwater detention basins and sidewalks are excluded from net developable area. Commissioner discussion referenced the MPC language that excludes streets and stormwater detention basins from the open‑space calculation when those basins do not provide recreational amenities.
A separate discussion focused on agricultural easements counted as open space under the MPC. Commissioners and staff debated whether an ag easement that counts toward required open space benefits the city comparably to a park that the city owns. Staff explained the mechanics: when a developer conveys development rights (or pays a fee in lieu), the city holds development rights or uses fee proceeds to buy parkland. Commissioners raised concerns about maintenance, long‑term ownership and whether the city should receive compensation if the easement reduces developer obligations.
No formal action was taken on the economic plan or the MPC changes; staff said they will return with edits and clarifications.
