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Ask the developer to meet setback requirements and find out what the houses will look like.

Those were among the recommendations of a City Planner who recently reviewed proposed plans for a housing development west of Gaylord’s storm water pond.

For the past year, the City has been negotiating with Meadow Wood Builders. The Jordan development firms owns a 15-acre parcel of land west of the storm water pond. Unable to sell many homes initially planned for the area, Meadow Wood Builders has revised its plan to include smaller lots and smaller homes.

Michael Darrow, an employee of Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc (SEH), was hired by the City earlier this month. He reviewed the development proposal from a planning perspective as it relates to the City’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.

According to Darrow’s report, the zoning classification for the property is to: permit the development of low density residential dwellings in the community; to provide reasonable standards for such development; to avoid overcrowding; and to prohibit the use of land which would be incompatible or detrimental to the essential character of the district.

The developer is seeking flexibility related to setbacks, lot size and lot width. Darrow suggested that all lots planned should be revised so that the building pads meet the minimum setback requirements of the City’s ordinance. He also recommended that housing styles and building elevations be subject to the review and approval of the City.

Darrow also made recommendations on sidewalks/trails, park dedication, landscaping, grading/drainage and development agreements.

According to Darrow, the first step for the City is to ask Meadow Wood Builders if it is interested in re-platting the development. Finding common ground between the City and the developer would be a good starting point, Darrow explained.

It is the hope of City officials that the advice by Darrow and other engineers isn’t too late.

Because Meadow Wood Builders’ revised plan didn’t meet the City’s general zoning requirements, special permission was required. Although concerned about lot sizes, council members approved a preliminary plat revision last year. They did so under the impression that the decision wasn’t final.

Council members later voted to deny the plat revision request, a decision immediately contested by the developer.

In November, a District Court Judge ruled in favor of Meadow Wood Builders. The judge ruled that the developer did everything it was asked by the City. He also stated that the City failed to follow proper procedure required by its subdivision ordinance. The decision would allow Meadow Wood Builders to proceed as planned.

The City is appealing that Court decision, a process which could take 12-14 months. In the meantime, the City will continue to negotiate with Meadow Wood Builders.