Councilors debate bill to limit developer voting power on open‑space changes; stormwater and maintenance questions remain

Councilman Kevin Koneko introduced Ordinance 25‑094 to change the Unified Development Code’s rules on when open‑space and common‑facility requirements can be modified. Koneko said the current two‑thirds rule can allow a developer that still owns many lots to outvote occupied homeowners, and he framed the ordinance as a fairness measure to give residents who live in a development more weight when promised amenities or open space are at stake.

Councilwoman Durham said she supported the proposal as a matter of fairness for buyers who have already vested in promised amenities. Councilman Carter and others expressed concern about how the change could affect stormwater facilities, which the county may assume responsibility for, and asked that stormwater elements be treated separately to avoid unintended consequences for infrastructural responsibilities.

Council members discussed whether developers who continue to pay maintenance dues but would lose voting weight should retain other responsibilities; staff and members agreed to refine the language and separate stormwater and other technical maintenance items for further review. No final vote was taken; the ordinance remains under committee discussion.