Rolla planning commission recommends rezoning of 21 Steffendale Court to neighborhood commercial

The Rolla City Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council rezone 21 Steffendale Court from R-1 (single-family residential) to C-1 (neighborhood commercial).

The recommendation followed a public hearing during which the applicant, property owner Tu Tran, described plans for a small carry-out Vietnamese restaurant with limited hours and no drive-through window. Tom, a city planning staff member, explained that the city’s comprehensive plan designates properties along Highway 72 for neighborhood commercial uses and that rezoning is the first step before any site plans or parking proposals are submitted.

The matter drew concerns from nearby resident Will Benhart, who said the lot lacks feasible direct access to Highway 72 and currently provides minimal on-site parking. "I also think there's insufficient parking for any commercial use, but especially so for a restaurant," Benhart said, warning that overflow street parking could increase on the cul-de-sac where children play.

Tran told the commission his intent is a small carry-out operation and that he and his wife do not plan a large dining room or overnight operations. "We're a small family business...so no, no drive through window," Tran said. He said he planned to clear part of the front yard area to create 4–5 additional parking spaces, bringing the site total to about six spaces including the existing driveway.

Commissioners and staff discussed access and likely traffic impacts. Tom said direct access to Highway 72 is unlikely because that road is controlled by MoDOT; vehicular access would likely be from Steffendale Court. Tom also said a small carry-out operation without a large dining room generally requires fewer parking spaces, and that required parking will be determined during the site-plan review stage.

After public comment and deliberation, a commissioner moved that the Commission find the rezoning request meets the approval criteria and recommend approval to the City Council. The motion passed in a roll-call vote: Turban — no; Ryder — yes; Davis — yes; Morris — yes. The commission recorded the motion as approved and closed the public hearing.

Because the action was a recommendation, the rezoning will go to the Rolla City Council for final action. Any future development on the site will need to meet applicable parking and access requirements at the site-plan and permit stage.