Strategies for Balancing Growth and Community PrioritiesWorkshop Purpose and Agenda
On January 20, 2026, the Jackson Town Council will hold a workshop to discuss options for changes to the Land Development Regulations to address development pressures and impacts in the Town, consistent with the current Comprehensive Plan. Public comment is welcome, and staff request direction on desired amendments for further analysis and draft changes to be considered by the Planning Commission and Council. For related planning news, see Jackson Town Council to Consider Historic Nomination for George Washington Memorial Park.
Background on Development Concerns
The workshop stems from Council’s ongoing concerns that development size, pace, and uses may not align with community needs, including traffic congestion, lack of workforce housing, building scale, groundwater impacts, and protection of small-town character. Recent actions include a 2024 moratorium reducing maximum building sizes to 40,000sf/50,000sf and adding a Big Building Conditional Use Permit process. FY26 work includes updates to the Natural Resource Overlay and biennial LDR improvements, with the 2:1 Workforce Housing Bonus now incorporated here.
Potential LDR Amendments
Options include adjusting the 2:1 Workforce Housing Bonus for better deals (e.g., 1:1 ratio, affordable restrictions, size caps); reducing building heights in commercial (to 38′-42′) and residential zones; limiting short-term rentals in the Lodging Overlay to promote true lodging; capping basement stories or depths to limit intensity; comprehensively updating Design Guidelines; and exploring other changes like lot aggregation limits.
Fiscal, Staff Impact, and Next Steps
No fiscal impacts identified yet; staff time varies by scope, with larger changes like Design Guidelines potentially requiring FY27 consultant services at $50,000+. Staff can handle most FY26, seeking Council direction on priorities.
No fiscal impacts identified yet; staff time varies by scope, with larger changes like Design Guidelines potentially requiring FY27 consultant services at $50,000+. Staff can handle most FY26, seeking Council direction on priorities.
- Jackson Town Council Workshop on Water Efficiency Strategy January 20th - January 13, 2026
- Jackson Town Council Workshop Explores LDR Changes to Address Development Impacts - January 13, 2026
- Health Officials Urge Radon Testing - January 6, 2026