Residents press for 'historic' Cedar Pass Ranch zoning as staff proposes broader rural‑lot alternative

A lengthy discussion of zoning for Cedar Pass Ranch dominated the commission's agenda on Sept. 8 as staff and neighborhood representatives presented two alternate approaches and solicited commission feedback.

Robert (staff) explained that residents and a community committee produced draft language for a "historic" zone intended to preserve the area's equestrian and agricultural character and to recognize legacy uses. HOA representatives Dylan Anderson and Susan (S16) described more than two years of work, said the community wants to protect "the roots of the city" and asked that standards preserve large‑lot, equestrian operations and existing outbuildings.

Staff also presented a later ARLL draft intended to be broadly usable across the city. Robert summarized key policy differences: the historic draft would keep a 5‑acre minimum lot size and allow commercial equestrian uses as a special use; the ARLL draft would lower the minimum to 3 acres, grandfather existing lots under 3 acres, remove commercial equestrian operations from special‑use status, and drop detailed standards for shipping‑container and semi‑trailer storage.

Commissioners raised enforcement concerns, the role of HOA covenants versus city code, and whether an overlay approach might preserve Cedar Pass Ranch while allowing a more generic ARLL elsewhere. Some commissioners suggested a sliding scale for building sizes and animal allowances based on lot size. Robert and HOA representatives said the intention is to protect property rights through a combination of zoning and updated covenants; no formal vote was taken and staff expects the item to return later for formal review and possible Council action.