The City Commission voted 5–2 to rezone the 300‑block area of South Union Street from C‑2 (Neighborhood Center) to C‑4A (Regional Center), enacting the ordinance with effect eight days after publication.
Proponents, including members of the planning commission and property owners, said the classification better reflects the commercial character and existing building footprints in the corridor and would require active ground‑floor uses facing the street under recent code changes. Commissioner My Treadwell noted that current zoning allowed smaller footprints and that many existing buildings would be nonconforming if built under the old code; rezoning, supporters said, would align regulations with existing uses.
Opponents, led by Commissioner Heather Shaw, argued the up‑zone risks greater building footprints, higher impervious coverage and added stormwater load downtown. Shaw proposed requiring green roofs for C‑4 construction to help manage stormwater; the city attorney advised that a blanket green‑roof requirement in zoning could be legally vulnerable and suggested the stormwater ordinance or other regulatory tools as a better mechanism.
During public comment and commission debate, members asked for a corridor plan and expressed concern about traffic impacts on nearby residential streets. The ordinance passed on roll call: Commissioners Treadwell, Stanley, Mayor Pro Tem Wilson, Commissioner Werner and Mayor Amy Shamro voted yes; Commissioners Shaw and Anderson voted no.
What this means: Rezoning allows a broader range of regional‑scale uses by right in the rezoned blocks and removes some of the size and impervious limits tied to the C‑2 classification. The commission and staff discussed stormwater and urban design as follow‑up items; staff will continue coordination with planning and public works on corridor impacts and implementation.