Newport Council approves major Eastridge Heights residential development
The Newport City Council unanimously approved a residential development agreement for Eastridge Heights on June 19, clearing the way for David Weekley Homes to build single-family residences in the area. The council also granted the builder flexibility to work on Saturdays to accelerate construction.
The council voted 4-0 to approve the development agreement for Eastridge Heights, along with related amendments and resolutions. The approval came after the builder requested a waiver from the city's requirement that 15% of a home's front facade be windows. David Weekley Homes explained that their three- and four-car garage models make meeting this standard difficult while accommodating buyer preferences for privacy. "It's not about cost, it's not a cost issue, it's about buyer choice," said Dean Lauder, director of entitlements for David Weekley Homes.
The council approved the waiver with conditions: 50% of the front facade must use higher-quality materials like LP SmartSide or HardieBoard siding, and homes must average 10% window area across all sides. The Planning Commission held a public hearing with no public comments before recommending approval.
The council also unanimously approved Saturday work hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the construction site. Council members noted that Eastridge Heights is not near existing neighborhoods, so the primary impact would be on future residents of the development. "The only people they're going to affect are their own customers," said Council member Taylor. Council member Sumner added that he preferred seeing homes enclosed and roofed quickly to protect the interior, supporting the builder's request for scheduling flexibility.
In other business, the council unanimously approved a final payment of $3,015.01 to Winberg Companies for completion of the Loveland Sport Court reconstruction project. The city's engineer confirmed the project was ready for closeout after a successful final walkthrough verified 75% vegetation coverage and the provision of additional seed and fertilizer for sparse areas. The council also approved a resolution authorizing publication of Ordinance 2607, which amended the Eastridge Heights development plan.
Our proprietary artificial intelligence agent analyzed publicly available documents including meeting agendas, minutes, and transcripts to write this story to help inform local residents. Feedback helps us improve, so please consider rating how we did with the thumbs up or down below.
Go deeper on this topic
Research related meeting documents and build a brief — without rewriting the story.
Full analysis
Votes (5)
Loveland Sport Court Reconstruction Project - Final Payment
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Ingeman [0:57:37] · Seconded by Council member Sumner [0:57:38]
The Engineer reported that the Loveland Sport Court reconstruction project, largely completed last year, was ready for final close-out. The retainage held for vegetation growth was released after a successful final walk-through, confirming 75% coverage and provision of additional seed/fertilizer for sparse areas. A final payment of $3,015.01 to Winberg Companies was requested.
Eastridge Heights PUD Amendment (Front Facade Window Area Waiver)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Ingeman [1:25:35] · Seconded by Council member Sumner [1:25:56]
The developer and builder for Eastridge Heights requested an amendment to the Planned Unit Development (PUD) to waive the city's 15% front facade window area requirement for single-family homes. The builder, David Weekley Homes, explained that their 3-4 stall garage models make it difficult to meet this standard while also accommodating buyer preferences for privacy on garage doors. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including 50% of the front facade using higher-quality materials (e.g., LP SmartSide, HardieBoard) and an average of 10% window area across all building sides. The Planning Commission held a public hearing with no comments.
Resolution Authorizing Summary Publication of Ordinance 2607
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Sumner [1:26:45] · Seconded by Council member Ingeman [1:26:56]
Following the adoption of Ordinance 2607, a resolution was needed to authorize its summary publication, a standard procedural step.
Eastridge Heights Development Agreement Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Sumner [1:35:10] · Seconded by Council member Ingeman [1:35:28]
The City Council considered approving the Development Agreement for Eastridge Heights. This standard agreement, modified from a city template, includes a conservation easement and a landscape license agreement, ensuring city protections during construction, including inspections and ensuring public improvements meet city standards. A discussion ensued regarding Saturday construction hours.
Eastridge Heights Saturday Work Hours Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Sumner [1:36:00] · Seconded by Council member Taylor [1:36:20]
During the discussion of the Eastridge Heights Development Agreement, the builder requested flexibility for Saturday construction hours. Council members weighed the potential impact on future residents against the benefits of faster construction and the development's distance from existing neighborhoods. They ultimately decided to approve Saturday work with hours from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, relying on the builder to manage resident complaints.
Notable Quotes (5)
But, the 15% minimum on the facade, I think Nathan did a great job explaining the challenges there. You just have so much more surface area when you have three and four uh garage stall garages that there's still uh actually quite good glazing on the front... We specifically design our homes so there are several points, viewpoints, that people inside the home can enjoy, especially out the back of the property.
It's not about cost, it's not a cost issue, it's about buyer choice.
if we could preserve the the ability to build on Saturdays, we would probably want that flexibility.
I personally I'm kind of especially given that it's not in proximity to existing neighborhoods. The only people they're going to affect are their own customers.
I would rather see places enclosed to protect the interior with the roof on as soon as possible. So, I think the discretion of the builders up in that location because it's not in a central area with a lot of lived in homes around it. Let them work.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Device used for quantifying odor strength.
Products used for odor management at waste facilities.
Higher quality siding material for homes.
Higher quality fiber cement siding material for homes.
Amending the approved Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Eastridge Heights.
Authorizing summary publication of Ordinance 2607.
Approving the development agreement for Eastridge Heights.
Development plan for a residential project, subject to amendment.
Legal agreement outlining terms for the Eastridge Heights project.
Exhibit attached to the Development Agreement for Eastridge Heights.
Exhibit attached to the Development Agreement for Eastridge Heights.
Source document
Was this story helpful?
Other Topics from This Document
Public Works Tree Removal Grant Program
Want to know when new stories arrive?
Enter your email to receive updates.
We will not use your email for any other purpose. You can unsubscribe at any time.