Neighbors support Dove Drive community produce farm; staff recommends denial while planning commission favors conditional approval

The council held a public hearing on Sept. 17 for an application to rezone 3.41 acres at 1880–1860 Dove Drive from R‑3 to AG‑1 and to amend the future land‑use designation to agriculture neighborhood. Staff recommended denial, citing the area’s residential platting and the long‑standing R‑3 zoning record; the planning commission recommended conditional approval that would require consolidation of lots to meet AG‑1 minimum acreage.

Applicant counsel Greg Hecht said the Oceans have invested in infrastructure and planting and that the farm now supplies produce and educational programming. He presented receipts and an expense summary — including a cited $65,000 of 2024 expenditures — and argued the city had previously issued an occupational tax (business) certificate that led the family to rely on…