Council approves targeted setback reduction for Homestead resort plan with clarifying edits

The Midway City Council approved a code‑text amendment that allows, in narrowly defined circumstances, a 10‑foot peripheral setback for structures inside resort master plans when those structures directly abut dedicated golf‑course open space.

Planning staff and the applicant said the change is tightly tailored and would apply to only a handful of Homestead master‑plan buildings. Staff emphasized that most resort areas in the city do not touch dedicated golf‑course open space; the Homestead peninsula adjacent to the golf course was the only area identified as likely to use the exception. Michael, planning staff, said that in practice the change would convert a vested 30‑foot setback for specific Homestead units to as little as 10 feet, not the citywide 100‑foot setback referenced in the code text.

Applicant representative Paul Berg told council the proposal is aimed at improving building siting and amenities (for example, placing units closer to golf‑course open space and enabling longer driveways for additional parking) rather than increasing unit size. He said the homestead has platted the adjacent golf‑course area as dedicated open space and that the language would only apply where there is recorded dedicated golf‑course open space.

During a required public hearing, Tom Wardle asked whether tee boxes and greens were nearby and whether ownership/real‑estate disclosure would address golf‑ball risks; the applicant said disclosures and HOA documents would be used. Councilmembers asked for edits to the draft code language to clarify that the 10‑foot setback is measured adjacent to the golf‑course open space parcel and suggested adding a minimum open‑space size threshold to prevent narrow strips qualifying.

The council moved, with suggested edits and findings provided by staff, and recorded ayes from JC, Kevin and Andy.