Developer pitches 42-lot 55+ 'patio homes' plan; commissioners request revisions

Chad Besinger of J Fisher Companies and Henry Walker Homes told the Far West City Planning Commission the company wants to return with a formal application for 42 small-lot, single-level "patio homes" aimed at buyers 55 and older. "We would like to come back in, and actually file a location on is these 42 lots to go build, 55 and older patio homes," Besinger said during a work-session presentation.

Commissioners generally favored the second option over previously proposed townhomes, but flagged multiple technical and policy gaps the developer must address before the plan can move forward. Staff noted the city's 55+ zone carries minimum open-space and street-dimension requirements; one commissioner said the plan as shown does not provide the code-required 15% minimum open space and recommended the developer either build on-site amenities or offer a fee in lieu. Commissioners also pressed for clearer vehicle access and easement arrangements to avoid land‑locking neighboring parcels if adjacent landowners later develop.

Several commissioners said the proposal could proceed either by rezoning to the city's 55+ zone or through a development agreement, but they asked the developer to return with drawings that show how the project would look under standard right-of-way widths and whether the number of lots would change. The developer offered to explore a standard‑road-width plan and to discuss amenity or fee options with the city's staff and owners. The commission did not take a formal vote on the concept but asked the applicant to revise the plan and return with a more detailed submittal.