Commission backs PR‑7 rezoning for 46‑lot garden‑home subdivision, adds emergency access condition
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Summary
Staff recommended and the planning commission recommended approval of rezoning Z24‑0056 to PR‑7 for a 46‑lot garden‑home development with conditions requiring sprinklers, conservation easement of floodplain area, and access that can serve both recreation and emergency egress; commissioners amended the staff conditions to explicitly allow dual function access and approved the recommendation.
Jefferson County planning staff told the commission that a revised plan for Z24‑0056 reduced a previously larger layout to 46 clustered garden‑home lots and recommended rezoning to PR‑7 with conditions intended to protect steep slopes and a mapped special flood hazard area.
Staff proposed several conditions: that each residence be built with a sprinkler system; that the area around the special flood hazard area be dedicated as a conservation easement at subdivision; and that access to the easement be provided for recreational use by residents. Staff noted that clustering the development and removing steep slopes and floodplain areas from buildable parcels brought the proposal into conformance with the PR‑7 conservation development standards.
During the public hearing and discussion, commissioners emphasized the need for secondary access for emergency vehicles. One commissioner moved to adopt staff recommendations and then amended the condition so the access to the conservation easement could have a dual function: both recreational access and a secondary emergency egress; the amendment was seconded and approved. The commission voted to forward a recommendation of approval with the amended conditions to the Jefferson County Commission.
Clarifying details: the development was described as 46 lots; staff said sprinkler systems are required for each residence and that the conservation easement dedication would occur at subdivision. County engineering must still approve any emergency access to ensure it meets standards for emergency vehicles.
Next steps: The planning commission’s recommendation will be sent to the Jefferson County Commission, and any final subdivision approvals and construction permits remain contingent on engineering sign‑off and compliance with the imposed conditions.