Public hearing held on request to rezone 21 Stephendale Court for small carry‑out; neighbors raise parking, traffic concerns

Rolla City Council opened a public hearing on a rezoning request for 21 Stephendale Court and heard from the property owner and nearby residents before closing the hearing without a final zoning vote.

Applicant Thu Tron told the council she bought the house at 21 Stephendale Court and plans to convert it into a small takeout restaurant offering Vietnamese food, saying the property could provide “5 to 7 parking slots” for customers and that she expects primarily brief pickups.

Neighbors—several of whom live within the 185‑foot notification area—objected to rezoning the single‑family lot to C‑1 (Neighborhood Commercial). Speakers said the house lacks direct access to Highway 72, so customers would have to enter the dead‑end Stephendale Court, increasing traffic and on‑street parking in a small subdivision where children play. One neighbor said the lot currently has only a single driveway space and that converting the house to commercial use would likely push parking onto the street.

Staff and Planning & Zoning: City planning staff noted the property fronts Highway 72 and that the comprehensive plan designates frontage along Highway 72 for neighborhood commercial uses. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 3–1 vote; the dissenting commissioner cited concerns about access and the dead‑end street condition. Staff advised that any commercial development would have to comply with the city code, including parking requirements measured by customer‑area square footage, and that a change from takeout to dine‑in would trigger plan review and permitting.

Council questions focused on access and parking. Staff said direct access from Highway 72 would require a permit from MoDOT and may be infeasible because of proximity to intersections. Staff estimated the lot could reasonably accommodate four parking spaces without major work and up to six with more extensive changes; the exact required number depends on the building’s customer area and any future change of use.

Outcome: The council took public testimony and heard the ordinance reading to rezone the property from R‑1 to C‑1, but no final rezoning vote was recorded in the meeting transcript. Staff noted that if the property is later used for a different commercial purpose or enlarged for dine‑in service, parking and site‑plan requirements would apply at the permit stage.

Sources: Applicant testimony and multiple neighbors during the Rolla City Council public hearing on 2025‑01‑20.