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Lacey to decide on rezoning forested land as moderate density residential

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The Lacey City Council is set to decide on August 4 whether to approve or not the application of Prime Development Group to rezone five acres of primarily forested land from Low-Density Residential to Moderate Density Residential. 

The Lacey Planning Commission approved the recommendation on June 21.

During the Lacey Land Use and Environment Committee meeting yesterday, Lacey Senior Planner Hans Shepherd briefed the committee about the rezoning request on the property located at 456 Carpenter Road SE.

Shepherd explained that the recommendation stemmed from the anticipated growing population in the City of Lacey.

“It’s driven from a goal for increasing residential capacity,” said Shepherd.

Based on the current zoning classification, Shepherd said Low-Density Residential has a capacity of five to six housing units per acre if fully developed. If the property is rezoned to Moderate Density Residential, it could accommodate 8-16 housing units per acre.

As explained in the agenda packet, the proposed rezoning would be consistent with existing higher-density uses to the north and west of the property while serving as a transitional buffer for the lower-density residential uses to the south and east.

Central Business District 7 extends to the northwest of the site. Properties to the north of the site are zoned Mixed Use High Density, while properties to the south and east are predominantly Low-Density Residential.

Shepherd said they also received public comment, airing concern on the loss of trees. He added that a 20% open-space requirement for Moderate Density Residential does not exist in Low-Density Residential.

“A greater number of trees are going to be saved in this style of development,” said Shepherd.

Comments

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  • johngreen

    So this is what the mayor meant when he said that Lacey would revisit zoning laws. More tree clearing for tree city USA.

    Wednesday, June 29, 2022 Report this

  • Southsoundguy

    To reduce tree clearing, make it easier to build underground parking for these multi family facilities. Then you don’t need to clear as much for paved parking.

    Thursday, June 30, 2022 Report this