Board pauses action on Equestrian Overlay zoning text amendment amid pending state law

Staff presented a proposed zoning text amendment to remove or reserve Section 6.8.8 of Wellington’s Land Development Regulations, which currently sets standards for cluster/equestrian PUDs. The Equestrian Preserve Committee had recommended the change and council previously adopted a zoning‑in‑progress that pauses new equestrian PUD applications while the amendment is considered.

Board members debated alternatives: (a) remove 6.8.8 and leave PUD rules to standard PUD criteria, (b) explicitly prohibit new PUDs in the Equestrian Overlay Zoning District (EOZD), or (c) allow PUDs but prevent deviations from the EOZD’s minimum lot‑size subarea standards. Several members argued the village should protect minimum lot sizes because they are essential to sustaining equestrian operations; others sought a more flexible path that would still preserve equestrian uses while allowing limited master‑developer amenities.

Given pending state legislation (Senate Bill 180) addressing municipal authority over land‑use restrictions, board members agreed it was prudent to postpone detailed action and asked staff to return in April with refined language and options that explicitly protect EOZD lot‑size standards or otherwise clarify the village’s intent. The board’s motion to postpone carried.