Townhome project draws questions on density, parking and wildfire readiness

A developer presentation described a planned townhome project in the Ward 4 area that would complete a previously rezoned master‑plan area and include multifamily townhomes, shared amenity areas and a drainage restoration for a major drainageway.

John (KLS Planning) and the development team described unit sizes (approximately 1,300–1,900 square feet), parking that relies primarily on garages with limited street parking by design, and a traffic mitigation program that includes restriping and a new traffic signal once triggers are met. The team said the project includes shared common areas and tree planting along approach streets.

Board members and residents raised concerns about density, loss of on‑street visitor parking, noise, privacy, wildfire evacuation routes and how new households would access groceries and services without adding long car trips. Developers said they reduced unit counts from an earlier design and incorporated additional parking and landscaping in response to feedback; traffic engineers identified intersections for study and recommended improvements tied to development triggers. Fire‑safety and evacuation questions were noted; the developer said the Fire Marshal reviewed the project and reported no site‑specific concerns.

Next steps: public comments will be included in the planning record and the project team will present to planning commission; staff will post detailed exhibits and the traffic study in the project packet.