Commission backs DMA 24-01 zoning map amendment for 'The Willows,' flags open-space fee-in-lieu

Planning staff presented the zoning map amendment for DMA 24-01, known in the record as 'The Willows,' and explained the commission had previously reviewed design options and elevations. Staff described two alternatives (Option A and Option B) and said both would be forwarded to the mayor and common council as exhibits to the ordinance; the planning commission retains authority to refine site plans at later stages.

The conversation focused on open space. Staff explained the city’s code requires 20% of the net area be provided as common open space intended for public use; where the proposed open space is not usable for recreation, the city may refuse dedication and the property owners association would be required to maintain the area while paying an acreage-based fee in lieu to the city. “So when we go to the plan development process, you have to provide 20% of the net area for open space,” a staff member said, adding that prior projects used a fee-in-lieu where the topography prevented usable recreational open space.

Commissioners questioned whether the open space provided by the project would meet city standards and confirmed that any fee in lieu would be based on the acreage of the required open-space percentage at the time of site-plan approval. The commission moved to forward DMA 24-01 to the mayor and common council with a favorable recommendation; the motion passed.

Next steps: the mayor and common council will review the ordinance and attached exhibits; if approved, further site-plan review will return to the planning commission for final site-level refinements.