The public is invited tonight to talk about the Volcano Heights Sector Plan, the city's first housing development planned for an enormous area of land west of the volcanic escarpment.

IF YOU GO What: Hearing on Volcano Heights Sector Plan When: 5 p.m. tonight Where: Vincent E. Griego Chambers, One Civic Plaza

The meeting is hosted by the City Council and Environmental Planning Commission, which will listen to comments and return with ideas for changes, if necessary, said Michael Cadigan, councilor for District 5, which includes the northern West Side.

The council will take up the issue again in August after considering possible changes.

Once complete, "about 30,000 could live in that area," said David Heil of the Volcano Cliffs Property Owners Association.

"The plan shows a lot of land being used for open space," Cadigan said. "How much is that going to cost, and how long do we want to have it? We're going to have to do a reality check on that."

The amount of open space is an issue for landowners, Heil said.

"We're just concerned there's too much open space, whether it be private or public," Heil said.

If landowners will be expected to give up property for open space, that would require plans for safety and privacy, he said. For instance, dirt bikers could come on to open space for recreation.

"How do you preclude others from disparaging the land?" Heil said.

He'd like to see some kind of fencing, such as split-rail fences, to protect open space from that kind of traffic, except on defined trails.

Another issue, Cadigan said, will be determining how to protect the natural drainage in the area.

And the city is open to discussion on how much of an individual lot could be used for a dwelling or other buildings, such as a barn or workshop.

Cadigan said no decisions will be made tonight.