SEQUIM — City Council members approved new zoning for a 133.6-acre parcel on Sequim’s southwest side that will allow for denser residential development.
The request had earlier stirred up contentious debate before the Sequim Planning Commission, which recommended the council approve the change.
There was little comment Monday night, however, when the council followed the recommendation.
The property is owned by the Irving Boyd Family Partnership and sits between Silberhorn and Happy Valley roads, west of Seventh Avenue.
The acreage previously had two zoning designations. Most of it — 125 acres — was zoned to allow one house per acre, with an option of increasing the density when utilities become available to the site.
The remaining 8.6 acres was zoned for multifamily construction.
No development plan has been submitted for the land.
Dennis Boyd, representing the family, said they wanted uniform zoning for the property.
Those opposing the change told the Planning Commission that allowing residential densities of four to five homes per acre would be out of character for the area, and worried about the potential effects on traffic and the environment.
Area resident Bill Carter spoke then and before the council Monday.
“I’m opposed to the timing of this change,” he said, arguing that the area should be developed in one-acre lots first, with more density coming later.
Council members unanimously approved the change that will allow four to five homes per acre.