Graham City Council

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City Council 12/12/23

• 92-Lot SFR | Tabled

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Rogers Spring Phase 4

South Graham | 53.9 Acres | 92 Units | Tabled to 1/9/24

Getting rezoned in Graham isn't always about maxing out density allowances. Even within zoning districts like Conditional Residential (CR), what flies comes down to City Council preferences. This recent annexation case makes that clear - approval hinges on a compromise between developer ambitions and Council vision.

Shugart Homes had big plans for 53 acres off Mayfield Drive. Their proposal: 92 additional single-family homes, bundled as phase four of Roger Springs. The site bridges two parcels, one already zoned R9, the remaining ripe for conditional rezoning to allow the intended density.

But Council wasn’t having it. Early indicators signaled pushback over density and lot size. The prevailing Council sentiment - “this is too congested.” Concerns centered on four key issues:

• Density and lot size:

  • ‟I was trying to get you not to waste your money on trying to I mean this is a new Council from what we would I can tell you I absolutely did not vote for R9 nor what I would vote for R9. (Mayor Tally)

  • ‟When you're looking at it you don't see the backyard you're still going to think that those homes are right on top of each other. (Mayor Tally)

• Appearance of homes crowded together:

  • ‟It really makes it look congested and comments I've received from Neighbors and residents is one of if there's a way if it's just a perspective where it doesn't look like they're built on top of each other. (Councilman Chin)

• Road width concerns:

  • ‟We don't typically like 27-foot wide"…”minimum of 30-foot driveways. (Mayor Tally)

• Compromise to change density:

  • ‟I feel like we're trying to meet in the middle but you've got to meet us in the middle, we're not I don't think I'm not willing to do R9. (Mayor Tally)

  • ‟We’re not willing to do R9. (Mayor Tally)

The reaction wasn’t altogether anti-development. There was also an acknowledgment of the need for housing development in Graham: housing stock is needed as companies like Amazon and Toyota expand locally, bringing new residents.

In response, the developer agreed to redo the plans based on a minimum 70-foot lot width condition to allow more separation between homes and reduce density. The revised plan will go back through technical review before being reconsidered at the January Council meeting.

Though the initial density proposed was within guidelines, the Council pushed for lower density more fitting with their vision for the neighborhood.

Developer: Shugart Homes, Brian Shugart, Email: [email protected], Chandler Turpin

Staff Report

Project Plans

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