The Richland Hearing Examiner convened on September 8, 2025, to discuss a significant rezone application related to the Badger Mountain South plan. The meeting focused on the adjustments made to the comprehensive plan amendments approved last year, which aimed to realign commercial ground locations in response to engineering assessments of roadway placements.

The applicant presented a proposal to maintain the original vision for the area, which includes both residential and commercial designations. Specifically, the application seeks R2S zoning to facilitate the development of 42 single-family residential lots, alongside four commercial tracts designated as C2 zoning. These tracts are strategically located north of Gage Boulevard and west of Queensgate Boulevard.

A key point of discussion was the civic space intended for a future elementary school. The school district has confirmed that the designated area meets their requirements for an elementary school, although it currently remains zoned as agricultural. The applicant clarified that no changes to the school parcel were proposed in this application, and the school district is in agreement with the current plans.

The preliminary plat application encompasses a total area of 58.39 acres, with development planned in six phases. The applicant indicated that some phases might be constructed simultaneously, similar to the ongoing Peachtree Estates 2 project.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between the city, the applicant, and the school district to ensure that the development aligns with the community's needs while adhering to the comprehensive plan's original vision. The next steps will involve further discussions on the preliminary plat and any necessary adjustments based on the staff report.