Guthrie planning commission approves two R‑1 to A‑1 rezones along Lakewood Drive

The Guthrie Planning Commission on Sept. 11 recommended approval of two separate rezoning requests that would change properties along Lakewood Drive from R‑1 (single-family) to A‑1 (general agricultural). The commission voted 4-0 to approve an 8-acre parcel east of South Academy Road and, later in the meeting, voted 4-0 to approve a 20-acre parcel at the southwest corner of Lakewood Drive and South Academy Road.

Planning staff told the commission the rezones would grant owners livestock privileges and a greater allowance for chickens, and that A‑1 zoning permits up to two dwelling units “by right,” compared with a single unit under R‑1. The staff recommendation said the city’s current Comprehensive Plan lists the area as conservation reserve but noted that an updated plan would likely show agricultural uses.

The first applicant, identified in the meeting as the property owner but not named on the record, told the commission, “my wife and I…we’re looking to put some roots down here in Guthrie” and said they planned to build one house to live in first and later a second, complementary home that could serve as living space for aging parents. Forrest Hunter, who identified himself as an owner of the second parcel, said, “We wanna probably run a few cows, 6 months a year to keep the grass down…have a horse or 2.”

During public comment related to the applications, Kenneth Lawson, a longtime resident who said he lives on the northwest corner of Lakewood and Academy, raised concerns about local roads, driveways and stormwater. “The roads are getting worse and worse,” Lawson said, adding that some driveways and yard runoff have narrowed the roadway and washed out ditches near his property.

Planning staff responded that driveway construction is handled when property owners apply for building permits and that road work would be evaluated through the city’s Capital Improvement Program. Staff said the CIP could include grading or paving for the roadway but that such projects are scheduled years in advance and “I can’t tell you with certainty when if and when that may happen.”

Commission members asked no substantive follow-up questions during the public-comment portion and moved to votes after the staff and applicant remarks. For both items, the commission recorded votes of “yes” from Planning Commission members Zach Robbins, Steven Harrison, Franklin Danley and Brent Linford.

The actions the commission approved are recommendations to rezone the two parcels; the transcript does not indicate additional conditions tied to either approval. The commission did not adopt a change to the Comprehensive Plan during the meeting; staff noted the comp plan’s current conservation reserve designation and suggested an update could change that designation.

The rezoning approvals are recommendations from the Planning Commission; any final zoning change will be subject to subsequent action by the governing body with jurisdiction over zoning ordinances.