The Stark County Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Oct. 2 to approve a rezoning request (RZ0625) to change a five-acre tract from agriculture to rural residential so a single-family home can be built, and to approve a corresponding minor subdivision plat (MSP0625) for the Zillick subdivision. The actions were recommended by staff and forwarded for final approval to the county commission.

Steve Josephson, Stark County planning and zoning director, told the commission the long-range comprehensive plan designates the area as prime agricultural land, recommending larger lots, but that the specific parcel already contains buildings and that creating a five-acre residential lot would not introduce incompatible uses. "This is kind of a one-off," Josephson said, noting the property owners intended to enable a family member to build a house.

Jeremy Wood of Northern Plains Engineering represented the applicant and said the proposed use— construction of a single-family residence—fits the zoning code. The commission opened and closed the public hearings with no public comment. Commissioner motions carried on roll-call votes with commissioners Larson, Goldsmith, Friedrich, Nicholas, Riddle, Clares and the chair all voting aye; the commission chair also voted aye. Josephson said the subdivision and rezoning will proceed to the county commission for final approval and that staff recommended approval subject to the findings in the staff report.

The staff report notes the parcel’s location as Track A in the Northwest Quarter of Section 7, Township 139 North, Range 93 West. The commission did not add additional conditions beyond the staff recommendations and the record shows the minor subdivision meets Chapter 7-3 requirements for minor platting in the zoning ordinance.