Commission backs Site-Specific Development zone with 50‑acre minimum to reserve process for large projects

Planner Jim Spung described the SSD zone as a tool to allow project-specific zoning for developments with unique characteristics not readily addressed by existing districts. He explained a two-step process (preliminary review followed by final review including a site-specific ordinance and development agreement) and said the minimum project size had been raised from 10 acres to 50 acres to reserve SSD for larger, unique developments.

Commissioners discussed whether the minimum should be 40, 50, or 100 acres and reached consensus to recommend a 50-acre threshold while noting the Town Council could change it. Following public comment (including concerns from Vern Carson about administering multiple SSD districts and whether SSD approvals would still meet Town roadway and agricultural protections), the Commission approved forwarding the SSD ordinance to the Town Council with three recommended edits: replace Airpark references with the Airpark Mixed-Use Zone, update minimum size to 50 acres, and replace references to Town Staff with Planning Director or the Mayor's Designee.