The 1,400-acre development straddles the Jackson-Banks County line. Banks County Commission approves the 230 acres in its jurisdiction, but the project was kicked back to planning in Jackson County after commissioners noted a discrepancy between the plan's density and the recommended R-1 zoning.
Planning staff revisited the issue with Neil Hughes from developer Clear Creek Communities and determined that the project could work with a combination of zoning designations.
"It was just a variation of the land use and zoning requirements," said Hughes. "Staff and I worked out those requirements and sent it back for variation. We had to rezone two sections from R-1 to R-2, for which we got a recommendation for approval."
In the new plan, less than 100 acres would be subject to the less restrictive R-2 zoning, with just under 1,000 acres subject to the original R-1 zoning. The remainder of the property would be zoned for commercial and recreational elements of the development.
No one spoke in opposition to the project, which has sparked controversy in surrounding areas. The new recommendation is planned to go before the Jackson County Commission on February 19.
The Planning Commission also approved some amendments in the county's code regarding Master Plan Developments to clarify the rules for similar large-scale developments in the future.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/1/97453