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Planning Commission approves Homestead design review with conditions to address fence gap and privacy
Summary
The Dixon City Planning Commission approved design review for the Sunrise and Celebration at Homestead subdivision with conditions requiring brick on front elevations, single-story requirements for several lots, and an offer to Copperleaf homeowners to eliminate or cap a narrow gap beside a retaining wall. The decision is subject to a 10-calendar-day appeal period ending Aug. 22 at 5 p.m.
The Dixon City Planning Commission on Aug. 12 approved design review for the Sunrise and Celebration at Homestead subdivision (215 single-family lots) while imposing conditions aimed at resolving a narrow 6–12 inch gap created where a new retaining wall meets the rear fence of the adjacent Copperleaf subdivision.
Scott Greeley, the city’s associate planner, told commissioners the review is limited to architectural and landscaping elements and that the grade difference itself is not within the commission’s authority: "this is a design review on Villages 12, And 14 and 15 ... effectively, it's 215 single family residential lots," and staff noted "the grade, unfortunately, is not something they can touch." Commissioners focused on visual and privacy mitigation where grading produced a separation as great as 4.5 feet near Pitt School Road.
After hearing the developer's presentation and public comment from nearby homeowners, the commission approved a package of conditions. Commissioner Davis urged a protective approach: "For myself, I think that the only fair thing to do would be to require Lots 14 Through 17 to be single story." The resolution adopted as part of the approval requires brick veneer carried to corners on all models, mandates single-story construction on Lots 14–18 with a corresponding reduction in rear-yard setback to 14 feet and increased lot coverage for those lots, and requires adding boards to cover gaps on the Village 12-facing side of retaining-wall fencing.
The applicant had offered several options to address the gap, including removing the Copperleaf rear fence and recording a use easement allowing Copperleaf homeowners access to the narrow strip, installing a thin cap to cover the gap, or applying board-on-board detail to eliminate sight lines. Staff and the applicant confirmed the recorded easement would be disclosed at the point of sale and remain with the property.
The commission’s motion passed on a roll call vote; staff announced the decision is final unless an appeal is filed with the City Council within 10 calendar days, ending Friday, Aug. 22, at 5 p.m.
The approval moves the design review forward with specific, enforceable conditions intended to reduce privacy impacts and give Copperleaf owners options to address the gap before final occupancy.
