Council chooses Map 9 in contested future land-use vote after debate over orchards, infrastructure

Council members spent extensive time debating which future land-use map should guide development in the northern orchards and highway corridor. Planning staff explained Map 10 reflected the Planning Commission’s recommendation, but councilors raised concerns that Map 10 would permit more intensive lotting in areas without sewer and water infrastructure. One council member urged protecting orchards and environmentally sensitive hillside areas by retaining R5 (larger-acreage) designations.

“...they moved this r 5 up on the hill, and the community did, and the general plan like it down here,” a council member said during the discussion, arguing Map 9 better matched community expectations. The mayor clarified options (adopt Map 9 as proposed, adopt Map 10 per the Planning Commission recommendation, or modify and hold public hearings). A motion to adopt the amendment with Map 9 passed after a roll-call vote recorded on the public record.

Council members also discussed infrastructure readiness: staff noted an impact-fee study and a facilities plan remain in progress and argued that adopting higher-density designations before water and sewer plans are in place could invite premature development. The council directed staff to publish the chosen map, plan for a public hearing where required, and align future rezoning guidance with upcoming facility plans.