Panel weighs lot‑size thresholds and larger density bonuses for conservation subdivisions
Summary
Committee members debated whether to keep a 40,000‑sq‑ft minimum lot size or raise it to one or two acres as a baseline, and whether to allow substantially higher density bonuses (65–85%) under a CUP to make conservation subdivisions viable for developers.
Members debated minimum lot sizes and how septic/reserve‑drain requirements and buildable‑land calculations affect feasibility. Planning staff noted the existing baseline and how CUP can permit smaller lots in exchange for design oversight: "If you get to CUP, you can bring that lot size down to 40,000," a staff member said. Several members said a higher density bonus tied to CUP could offset restrictions and make conservation subdivisions workable for more sites.
The conversation ranged from technical (how to count wetlands, steep slopes, floodplain and reserve drain fields) to practical (road costs and lot yield on 50‑acre parcels). Some members favored keeping 40,000 square feet as the baseline and using CUP to allow smaller lots with higher bonuses; others warned that raising the default lot size to two acres would eliminate options and reduce housing variety.
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