Developer seeks R5 rezoning for 30 'cottage' homes at Upshaw Mill Road; staff recommends 20% rental cap

Planning staff presented a rezoning application to move 6877 Upshaw Mill Road from R2 to R5 to allow a 30-lot single-family cottage subdivision intended to increase affordable homeownership options in the New Horizons area.

Planning and zoning administrator Chelsea Tubs said the redevelopment would create 30 single-family lots with a mix of front- and rear-facing garages consistent with the R5 code changes. Applicant representatives (Tony Harris and property owner Keith Miner) said the homes would be sold, not rented, with three or four floor plans and two-car garages, and they were targeting a price range in the high $200,000s to low $300,000s depending on construction costs. "We want this to be ownership, not rental," the developer said. Staff proposed a 20% rental cap (no more than six homes) to preserve neighborhood character; council members asked for clarity on affordability metrics, rental limits and whether amenities or walking connections to nearby park facilities could be added.

Council discussed the definition of "affordable" for the neighborhood and whether ownership-only restrictions would limit housing options for long-term residents; members also discussed HOA mechanisms and suggested staff draft more specific conditions. The public hearing was held and council will take the item up at its April 6 meeting.