Council tables final action on comprehensive plan update; staff to accept edits and return

City planning staff presented the proposed 2026 Comprehensive Plan update on May 18, summarizing major policy changes developed by the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) and Planning & Zoning. The update moves the city’s density methodology from a gross‑acreage approach to a net‑density calculation that excludes floodplain from developable acreage. Staff showed examples indicating potential reductions in buildable lots—about 114 lots in the Juniper Subdivision example and 86 lots in Homestead—through the combined effect of net density and revised residential lot‑size standards.

Other prominent changes include increasing low‑density residential acreage by roughly 3,483 acres, reducing medium‑density acreage by approximately 3,955 acres, stronger residential design and anti‑monotony standards, a recommended minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet for future estate lots, expanded policies for senior housing (independent living, assisted living, memory care), and emphasis on downtown preservation and reinvestment strategies. Staff also proposed adjusting annexation and ETJ language to reflect recent state law changes limiting unilateral annexation.

Councilmembers thanked CPAC and staff for the work but several members requested more time to review packet materials that had arrived shortly before the meeting. Councilmember Henson praised reductions in density and called for additional street and collector‑street standards work; Councilmember Lewis and Councilwoman Campbell asked for extra time to review the large document. The mayor said he wanted to keep the June timeline but was willing to table the item for two weeks to allow members to prepare and submit edits to staff.

Councilwoman Campbell moved to table the item to the next council meeting to allow members to prepare edits and to let staff incorporate committee feedback; the motion carried (unanimous on the motion to table). Staff said it will accept council comments, work with CPAC and Planning & Zoning, and return with adjusted materials and the schedule to meet the public‑hearing timeline.