Commission recommends lowering MR overlay density, setting public hearing for June 22

Peters Township planning staff presented proposed text amendments to the Mixed Residential (MR) overlay district and the commission voted to recommend the ordinance change and send it to council for a public hearing.

Mark, presenting the amendments, said the package would reduce the intensity of development permitted in the MR overlay by eliminating multifamily as a permitted use, introducing a new category called "patio homes," lowering allowable dwelling units from roughly six units per acre to 2.5 units per acre, and increasing open‑space requirements from 10% to 30%. He also said the proposal brings the MR overlay’s street and lot standards into alignment with township standards, requiring a 24‑ft cartway within a 50‑ft right‑of‑way for new streets.

Commissioners asked for clarifications on lot coverage and right‑of‑way widths; staff responded that maximum lot coverage in many MR areas would be reduced (an example cited was a change from 30% to 22% to match nearby subdivisions such as Timberlake) and that wider right‑of‑ways allow utilities to be placed in the public right‑of‑way rather than private front‑yard easements. Mark said the proposed text changes will be heard at a public hearing on June 22, 2026, and that council has already remanded the ordinance to the commission for review.

A motion to recommend the MR overlay district amendment as proposed was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote. The commission’s recommendation will go to council and the staff noted timing for public notice and a forthcoming public hearing.

The commission also discussed a new requirement that publicly owned or HOA street lighting using solar fixtures must include a backup (battery or hardwired) to avoid outages. Commissioners did not propose further edits during the meeting; staff will prepare the ordinance record for council and public notice.