Planning Commission approves change of use for Lester Management Group property on Highway 16

The Planning Commission on April 3 approved a change-of-use request from Lester Management Group to convert a house on Highway 16 to a C‑1 commercial office in Council District 4.

The applicant, Mike Lester of Lester Management Group, told commissioners he is “waiting on the plans” being prepared by the engineer (referred to as Fabrin’s office) and that the property had already been rezoned to C‑1 but had been used as a residence. Planning staff said any future alterations will require permits and compliance with the state fire marshal and building‑code requirements.

Planning staff (identified in the meeting as Miss Sadie and planning staff comments) noted that if no physical alterations are proposed and the property already meets zoning criteria, the case may not require additional commission action beyond the change of use; if alterations are proposed, the applicant will need to follow building and fire codes. Commissioners asked about fences and buffering because adjacent parcels still are used residentially; staff clarified that if a change of use creates a conflicting use next to residential, applicable fencing and other ordinance requirements would apply.

After discussion, Commissioner Clements moved to approve, a second was offered, and the commission voted to approve the change of use. The commission chair called for the roll and recorded unanimous affirmative votes from the commissioners present.

The approval is for the change of use only; the applicant must obtain any required permits and comply with state and local building- and fire-code requirements before occupying the building as a commercial office.

Lester said he will coordinate on the site plans with the referenced engineering office and proceed with required permits.