Planning Commission reviews bid to split 10.9‑acre Fairmont Greens PUD after ownership change

Director Stewart told the Winchester City Planning Commission that the Fairmont Greens planned unit development remains an approved entitlement for roughly 10.9 acres and 262 dwelling units, but recent ownership changes have split the original site into east and west parcels and prompted a request to decouple the phases. "The PUD did submit a site plan to staff, which, locks in the entitlement process that the original PUD was never expired," Director Stewart said.

Staff said the original plan, approved in 2022, authorized 262 units and about 14,000 square feet of commercial space and that the site plan submission kept the clock running under the ordinance. Commissioners asked whether splitting the PUD would allow one owner to stall the other and whether the city’s Neighborhood Design District (NDD) overlay still governs the parcels. Director Stewart replied that approved PUDs remain the governing entitlement for those parcels even when the underlying zoning changes.

Commissioners pressed staff and said they wanted the applicant present before making a recommendation. Commissioner C noted that the applicant had been made aware but declined to attend. Director Stewart said staff will recommend the applicant attend the regular meeting to explain how parking, open space and other site improvements would be handled. The commission did not take formal action on the PUD revision during the session; staff indicated the item will return at the next hearing for further review.