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Planning commission backs Stonebridge Farms PUD for small‑lot detached homes aimed at affordability
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended City Council approval of a planned-unit development in Stonebridge Farms to create 26 small-lot, detached single‑family homes with reduced setbacks; staff said the design targets a roughly $270,000–$280,000 price point and seeks to expand homeownership options.
The Minot Planning Commission on May 12 recommended City Council approval of a planned‑unit development (PUD) and preliminary plat for Stonebridge Farms Eighth Addition, a proposal that would create 26 small‑lot, detached single‑family homes intended to be more affordable than typical new construction.
City staff presented the PUD plan and described it as a tool to provide a “missing middle” housing type for younger families priced out of larger new homes. City staff said the proposal would allow 5-foot side setbacks and about 10 feet between buildings under the PUD, and noted that the development would be built in phases and must meet standard site‑plan and engineering requirements.
The developer, Mr. Hayes (Four Seasons Construction), told commissioners the target price range for the smaller detached units is roughly $270,000–$280,000 and that the concept reduces lot size compared with the surrounding higher‑priced lots to create lower‑cost ownership opportunities. “We’re looking at the price range of between hopefully 270, 280,” Mr. Hayes said.
During questions, commissioners pressed the developer and staff on pedestrian access and on proximity to nearby open space. Commissioner Burke asked whether the PUD could include dedicated pedestrian easements or internal walking paths; Mr. Hayes said sidewalks are planned throughout the development and that multiple vehicle access points exist. City staff told the commission that a nearby park and existing subdivision trails already provide public amenities and that the planning analysis found the project met public‑benefit thresholds. Staff added commissioners could recommend additional conditions to City Council if they wished.
A member of the public, Mr. Bone, praised staff and developers for advancing an affordable housing option but urged attention to how the development connects to the surrounding neighborhood and pedestrian network.
Commissioner Pontonella moved to approve staff findings and recommendations for the preliminary plat and PUD overlay; Commissioner Trudeau seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous and the motion carried.
The commission’s recommendation now goes to City Council for final action, where commissioners may also ask that additional pedestrian access or other conditions be added.
