The City of Eau Claire Plan Commission on Oct. 6 approved a rezoning and site plan for a small multifamily development on Damon Street at London Road but rejected the developer’s request to exceed the city’s standard parking maximum.
City planner Brandon Petrie told commissioners the 2.51‑acre parcel is currently zoned C2P and that staff and the comprehensive‑plan guidance support commercial uses, with multifamily development considered compatible in this location. The applicant, Rocket Construction / Property Mines, seeks to build a 12‑unit product type the applicant said has rented quickly in recent projects.
At the meeting, the applicant’s engineer, Scott Cerveny of Advanced Engineering Concepts, and Derek Trainer of Rocket Construction answered questions about missing submittal items and site details. The developer asked for a parking waiver to allow parking at roughly 28% (three percentage points above the 25% maximum referenced in staff materials). Cerveny and Trainer said market experience shows some units are occupied by two adults who may pack two cars and that similar units have filled quickly.
Commissioner Brewster moved an amendment to deny the parking waiver and retain the 25% maximum; the amendment passed on a roll call (5 ayes, 2 nays, 1 abstention). The commission then approved the rezoning and site plan with conditions listed in staff’s report and the parking limit set at the standard 25 percent. Conditions include submission of outstanding checklist items before final site‑plan signoff: the location and design of the 48 required bicycle stalls, details and screening for trash enclosures, the pergola location, exterior lighting plans, and a finalized pedestrian‑connectivity plan.
City engineering staff told the commission it requires pedestrian connectivity from the development to London Road and Damon Street. Commissioners and the applicant discussed options to avoid existing utility poles in the right‑of‑way (possible on‑site sidewalks that tie to a crossing at Damon) and noted an official sidewalk deferral process would be required if a public sidewalk were not installed at this time.
Commissioners emphasized the units will be primarily studios and one‑bedrooms and that green space on the site exceeds the 15 percent minimum in the packet. The commission’s approval was subject to the listed conditions; staff will work with the applicant to finalize the outstanding materials prior to administrative final‑site approval.