Commission considers removing 20,000-sq-ft threshold for planned development permits

Staff told commissioners that removing the minimum lot-size threshold would allow a planned development permit (PUD) to be used on smaller infill parcels, with all other PUD requirements retained. "So the proposed change would allow a planned development permit on a lot of any size," the presenter said, and emphasized that a PUD is a discretionary approval used when a project provides a "community benefit" beyond objective standards.

Commissioners debated how PUD discretion would intersect with state tools such as the density bonus and ministerial approvals (SB 9, SB 1084/1123). The Community Development Director said the hearing body retains discretion for deviations sought through a PUD and noted the downtown planning rules are more flexible, so PUDs may remain infrequent downtown. Commissioners also asked about post-approval modifications and were told "minor modifications" typically do not return to the hearing body but major modifications do.