The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 16 to approve a rezoning at 8345 South Brentwood Street, reclassifying a roughly 0.3-acre parcel from R‑1 (single-family) to R‑2 to allow a duplex or two-family dwelling.

Why it matters: staff found the proposed zoning is compatible with existing residential development and meets most Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) policies, but the CMP recommends densities of less than four dwellings per acre and a duplex on the 0.3-acre lot would exceed that recommendation.

Staff analysis: Reid Powers, case manager, told the board the county reviews rezoning proposals on five criteria: compatibility with surrounding land uses, conformity with the CMP, ability to mitigate negative impacts, availability of infrastructure and services, and effects on health, safety and welfare. Powers said R‑2 remains residential and that building standards (height, setbacks and lot coverage) are similar to R‑1. He noted the CMP’s land-use recommendation calls for under 4 dwellings per acre; a single dwelling on a 0.3‑acre lot equates to 3.33 dwellings per acre while a duplex would be 6.66 dwellings per acre. Powers said the applicant addressed two of the three factors required when a proposal departs from CMP land‑use recommendations but had not shown a change in local circumstance to justify exceeding the CMP density guidance.

Applicant presentation: Jeremy Hayes, representing the owner/developer, said county strategic planning and recent state policy support allowing duplexes, triplexes and other missing‑middle housing to increase housing supply and affordability. Hayes cited county polling and professional housing analyses and referenced state-level guidance (transcript referenced House Bill 1093) encouraging infill and allowing two- to six-unit buildings in residential neighborhoods.

Public testimony and concerns: homeowner Dusty Hagerty opposed the rezoning and told commissioners the Meadowbrook Heights street is only about 22 feet wide, has no sidewalks and limited on‑street parking; he warned that additional vehicles could impede emergency access. Hagerty said: “If approved for duplex, probably there's going to be more cars parked on this street … a fire truck would not be able to get in between.” Powers responded that duplexes or single-family homes would be required to provide on-site parking—typically two spaces per unit—and any additional vehicles would use available street parking.

Decision: after presentation, public testimony and staff recommendations, a commissioner moved to approve the rezoning; the motion passed with Commissioners Kerr, Zenzinger and Leslie Dahlkemper voting in favor.

Implementation notes: if a duplex is constructed the developer may later apply for a minor adjustment to split the duplex into two individual lots; building permits and geological review (site has dipping bedrock) will be required at the time of construction. Staff reported one written public comment in opposition and an additional voicemail received prior to the hearing.