Far West Council repeals planned‑development overlay, seeks targeted density zones

The Far West City Council voted unanimously on March 4 to repeal the city’s Planned Development (PD) overlay zone, adopting ordinance 2026‑04 after a public hearing and council discussion.

Council members said the PD overlay had the effect of allowing widely varying development outcomes and could undermine the city’s ability to set consistent standards for lot sizes, open space and neighborhood buffers. During the public hearing the council and staff discussed creating targeted density zones in the general plan — for example a narrower R‑type designation that would identify where higher intensity should be allowed and what limits would apply.

Supporters of repeal argued that repealing the overlay will give the city clearer, pre‑mapped locations where increased density is appropriate and allow those zones to contain explicit requirements for lot size, open space and compatible transitions to neighboring properties. One council member said the council reintroduced the PD overlay earlier to accommodate higher‑intensity housing, but found it “too wide open” and that defined zones would be easier to administer and explain to residents and developers.

The council closed the public hearing before the vote. Councilmember Katie made the motion to approve ordinance 2026‑04; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote with councilmembers voting in the affirmative.

Next steps outlined by staff include mapping locations within the general plan where density changes would be appropriate, drafting proposed zone language (for example an R‑17/R‑18 style lot classification), and returning to the council for public review and adoption. The council emphasized they intend to preserve open‑space requirements carried forward from earlier PD language where appropriate.