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Council approves UDC setback reductions, moves forward with rezoning for large undeveloped parcels
Summary
After public hearings and debate over forced rezoning, council approved a Unified Development Code amendment to align agricultural setbacks with rural residential setbacks and then approved a zoning change for properties over 20 acres; council also reduced the specific-use permit fee from $500 to $100.
The council voted to amend the Unified Development Code to reduce agricultural-district minimum yard setbacks to match rural residential standards and later approved a related rezoning that applies only to undeveloped properties over 20 acres. Planning & Zoning had recommended the text amendment; staff explained the change was meant to align zoning with the town's comprehensive plan and reduce inconsistencies. "So this item before you tonight is a UDC text amendment that updates the ag Zoning District by reducing the setbacks to match the rural residential setbacks," Nathan told the council.
The public hearing drew multiple residents who opposed 'forced rezoning' and expressed concerns about reduced land-use rights and potential property-value effects; one commenter argued the ordinance could be a "taking of the use of my property." After deliberation, the council approved the UDC text amendment and then proceeded to approve the zoning change by a 6–1 vote. Separately, council reduced the specific-use permit fee for agricultural uses from $500 to $100 to lower barriers for property owners seeking exceptions. The council's actions were procedural votes to change code text and zoning designations; staff emphasized that only undeveloped parcels over 20 acres were targeted and that property owners could continue existing uses until they applied for change.
