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Sunrise Manor advisory board approves zone change to allow future commercial use on Sahara Manor lot
Summary
The board approved a reclassification of 0.36 acres from single-family to commercial general after hearing concerns about nearby residences and potential homeless impacts; the motion passed 3–1.
The Sunrise Manor Town Advisory Board voted March 27 to reclassify a 0.36-acre parcel along the north side of Sahara Manor from RS5.2 (single-family residential) to CG (commercial general) to allow future commercial development.
Cressida Torella, representing the applicant, told the board the site is currently vacant and that the applicant is considering a restaurant or other commercial uses. “The client wants to, someday wants to put up a restaurant,” Torella said, adding that the first step is the zone change so the applicant can return later with site plans.
Several nearby residents spoke during the public hearing. Al Rojas (listed in the record as Rojas) urged the applicant to engage the neighborhood and to plan for public-safety measures, warning that new convenience-type uses can attract people experiencing homelessness. A resident also pointed out that many adjacent commercial uses are office-type businesses that do not operate late into the evening and argued that higher-intensity uses could harm the established neighborhood character.
Planning staff and the applicant noted that Title 30 buffering and screening rules apply where commercial uses adjoin residential properties; Torella explained those requirements include an eight-foot block wall and a 15-foot double row of evergreens to buffer residential neighbors.
A motion to deny the zone change failed (one board member voted in favor of denial). A subsequent motion to approve per staff recommendations passed with three votes in favor and one opposed. The advisory-board approval advances the matter to the county Planning Commission for further review and final action.
Why it matters: Rezoning a parcel from single-family to commercial can change what businesses the community will see on that lot and triggers additional review and conditions intended to protect adjacent homes.
