Consensus Planning was engaged by Titan Development to lead the entitlements process for a new mixed housing development on Los Alamos County’s North Mesa. The project was previously approved as an 85-lot single-family subdivision. Consensus Planning updated the project approvals to include a new 23-lot subdivision and a bulk tract for a new cottage development (the first use of this new zoning provision targeted at providing “missing middle housing”). The proposed new cottage development, when completed, will provide 114 Build-to-Rent townhomes. This project is adjacent to a new single-family subdivision that creates 23 new residential lots. Consensus Planning facilitated a public meeting with neighbors to discuss the project and get their feedback. In total, 136 new housing units will be added to Los Alamos’ housing stock when fully developed. Consensus Planning worked with County staff to facilitate a preliminary and final plat, an update to the Comprehensive Plan, a zone change, a Conditional Use Permit, and a Site Plan.

As the project Landscape Architect, Consensus Planning is also providing landscape architectural services, including planting and irrigation plans, color renderings, and 3D visualizations of the streetscape. The project amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, pocket park with a playground, and internal walking trails.

Consensus Planning and Titan Development have coordinated extensively with staff to address the County’s critical housing needs and expand housing options. We used the County’s new “cottage development” provision in its zoning code to permit this new housing option, which will help meet some of the community’s housing needs. Because of this, several community members attended the public hearings to speak in favor of the project and the proposed housing type.