Council approves first reading for Schumann Townhomes rezoning; building code questions raised on radon and sump pits

The city council approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone 3.75 acres north of Northwest Douglas Parkway and west of Northwest Tenth Street from A‑1 (agricultural) to R‑4 for a proposed 30‑unit townhome development (Schumann Townhomes). Melissa, staff, presented the concept plan showing 30 townhome units served by a shared drive; the internal streets would be privately owned and maintained, and parkland dedication requirements would be met via a fee‑in‑lieu (the required parkland amount is 0.44 acres). Staff said the proposed rezoning is compatible with surrounding zoning even though the comprehensive plan classifies the site as single‑family residential, and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval at its Aug. 12 meeting. During public comment a Soil and Water Conservation Commissioner asked about open‑bottom sump pits and radon remediation systems. Staff clarified that the council was considering zoning only and that building permits had not been issued; staff said building code does not currently require radon remediation systems and both open‑bottom and solid‑bottom sump pits are permitted provided they are installed in compliance with the building code. Mayor Clark introduced the ordinance and the council approved the first reading (Council member Grove, Kron, Battenberg, Pierce and Sinclair indicated yes). The action was a zoning first reading; final engineering, building permits and construction are separate future steps.