Commission recommends aligning AG setbacks with rural residential rules

Town staff presented a text amendment to Article 5 of the Unified Development Code (case 25 UDC 4) that would change setback standards for the agricultural (AG) zoning district so they match existing rural residential setbacks. The commission considered only the zoning text change and not rezonings of specific properties.

During the presentation, Drew, the staff presenter, said the "ag agricultural zoning district was created in 10/13/2022" and explained the amendment is intended to align AG setbacks with rural residential setbacks as a compromise following public comments. He told the commission council had briefed staff on January 8 and had provided direction to reduce AG setbacks to rural residential standards for properties over 20 acres.

The commission discussed process and scope; Drew clarified that the AG district already exists and the commission was being asked to recommend only the setback text changes. Chair moved to approve the recommendation on the proposed text amendments to Article 5, case 25 UDC 4, and a commissioner seconded. The Chair announced, "Motion carries unanimously." The recommendation will be forwarded to council for consideration at its February 12 meeting.

The presentation noted the amendment affects setback table entries and would preserve larger parcels by matching the more permissive rural residential standards; staff said the change responds to concerns from larger landowners that larger AG setbacks could limit the developable area on their parcels. The commission's action tonight was limited to the text amendment recommendation only; any rezoning of specific parcels would be handled separately by council.