Council revises large-development definition so building sizes can be combined

The Argyle Town Council approved an amendment to the definition of "large-scale" development so that a series of buildings on a single property are counted cumulatively toward the 40,000-square-foot threshold that can trigger a Specific Use Permit (SUP) review.

Harrison explained staff and P&Z asked for the change to ensure the town could review visually imposing clusters of buildings (for example, large riding arenas plus accessory structures). He said the P&Z recommendation also carved out an exception for typical agricultural and equestrian structures so the rule would not unintentionally force ordinary farm buildings into the SUP process.

Councilors asked how the change applies to previously approved site plans and whether cumulative calculations would affect parcels with prior approvals. Staff said the rule generally applies based on what was shown on the site plan at the time of approval; if subsequent unanticipated buildings push the total above 40,000 square feet, an SUP would be required. The council approved the staff-recommended language and directed staff to note the practical effect during future site-plan reviews.