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Council approves Winterberry Reserve preliminary plat after debate over lot sizes and density
Summary
After a lengthy public hearing and council debate over lot widths, setbacks and housing affordability, the council approved the Winterberry Reserve preliminary plat (79 lots) and RS‑3 PUD rezoning; a motion to reconsider produced a revote that passed 9‑2.
The Common Council approved the preliminary subdivision plat and PUD rezoning for Winterberry Reserve, a 22.2‑acre proposal by Viridian Homes that converts an earlier 54‑lot concept into a 79‑lot development with a mix of narrow interior lots (40–45 feet wide served by private alleys) and larger perimeter lots.
Planning staff and developer representatives said the design responds to the city’s housing study by creating “high‑efficiency” single‑family homes at lower price points (developer representatives said mid‑$400,000 starting prices for alley‑loaded product), and added perimeter lots to buffer existing neighborhoods. “Just because the lot’s smaller doesn’t mean the home is lesser,” one Viridian representative said, showing examples of carriage‑lane homes built elsewhere.
Neighbors and some alderpersons expressed concern that the narrower lots and reduced setbacks depart far from current RS‑3 standards (minimum lot width and yard setbacks) and could set a precedent for future reductions in code protections. Stuart Oh, speaking for the Tallgrass HOA, praised developer outreach but requested a lower lot count and assurances about drainage and wildlife corridors.
Council debate highlighted competing priorities: providing attainable single‑family housing versus protecting adjacent neighborhood character. Supporters argued the proposal fills a price‑point gap for new homes; critics warned that repeated PUD exceptions could erode zoning standards.
After an initial approval, an alderperson successfully moved to reconsider the item so a misvote could be corrected; the council re‑voted and passed the preliminary plat 9‑2. The PUD includes reduced side‑yard and front‑yard setbacks, private alley maintenance by an HOA, and architectural standards requiring porches and variety in elevations. The council directed staff and developers to finalize covenants, address drainage/stormwater plans, and record required PUD documents before building permits are issued.
Next steps: the developer will finalize covenants and engineering details; staff will confirm stormwater and drainage features and the PUD recording prior to permitting.
