Commission recommends removing automatic PUD requirement for developments over 5 units per acre

The City of Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission on April 28 recommended a text amendment to the Nampa Comprehensive Plan that would remove language requiring developments over five dwelling units per acre to come in as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) or master-planned community.

Doug Richfield, principal planner, told commissioners the proposed change would make the PUD optional for developments above that density threshold but would not automatically grant additional density. "A PUD allows a developer to increase the density by 20% and forces the preliminary plat to go before the commission and the city council," Richfield said. "Removing the requirement makes that process optional but does not give increased density by itself."

A resident, Robert Montclair, asked whether the change meant developers could increase density without council review; Richfield and commissioners clarified that an increase in density would still require a PUD process and additional approvals. "If they're not asking for additional density, they don't have to do a PUD," Richfield said. "But if they want to increase density, then they have to."

After a brief public comment period with no sign-ups, the commission voted to recommend approval of the text amendment; a roll-call vote was recorded and the motion carried.

What it means: The amendment would remove a procedural requirement that automatically triggers the PUD process for developments above five units per acre. Developers who do not request additional density could proceed with a standard preliminary plat process rather than a PUD; requests for added density would still be subject to the PUD process and council review.