Woodstock council allows horizontal mixed‑use and higher GCVMU density through CUPs

The Woodstock mayor and council on March 23 adopted a limited LDO amendment to permit non‑vertical (horizontal) mixed‑use development in GCVMU areas through a conditional‑use permit and to allow council‑approved increases in residential density up to 25 dwelling units per acre in the Parkway and Ridge Walk overlays.

Planner Sigmund said the change is intended to support Highway 92 LCI recommendations and to give property owners a tool for mixed‑use redevelopment outside the downtown core without forcing stacked (vertical) mixed‑use forms on every site. The allowance requires a CUP and a master plan showing site layout and conceptual elevations; any density increase would come through a public hearing so the council retains oversight.

Sigmund noted the amendment is a surgical, limited change intended to pilot some of the features anticipated in a fuller planned‑unit‑development (PUD) update later in the year. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5–1 at its March 5 meeting.

Council approved the amendment by voice vote (5–0).

What this means: property owners in the GCVMU district and designated overlays can pursue horizontally mixed uses and seek council approval for density increases, but larger projects will still require public review and master‑plan approval as part of the CUP process.