Council adopts zoning amendment allowing up to three distinct model homes in PDR developments

The Liberty City Council on Aug. 12 adopted an amendment to the zoning ordinance (section 3-86 on temporary structures) to allow developments zoned Planned Development Residential (PDR) to have up to three model homes, each representing a distinct housing product approved for the development.
Planning staff said the change was council-initiated following earlier review; the item was vetted at the March 2025 retreat and the May meeting and carries a Planning Commission recommendation of approval. "This is a council initiated request for us to look at the zoning ordinance for those developments that are zoned Planned Development Residential," the planning presenter said. He explained the proposal would "allow those that are PDR zoned developments to have up to 3 model homes, each model home representing the individual type of product that development is offering."
The council opened a public hearing on the proposal and, with no speakers coming forward, closed it and accepted the Planning Commission report. A motion to adopt the amendment was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript records the motion carried.
Council discussion clarified that the models must be representative of distinct approved products — not merely cosmetic changes such as paint color — and that the provision is intended to help developers showcase different housing types the rezoning approved.