Commission approves zoning change at 807 South Eagle Street to allow neighborhood commercial uses

The Fredericksburg City Planning and Zoning Commission approved a land-use change and concurrent rezoning for property at 807 South Eagle Street, allowing the parcel to move from medium-density residential (R-2) to a neighborhood commercial designation (C-1).

Property owners James and Anne Loris requested the change for the roughly two-acre site near Friendship Lane. Shelby (staff planner) said the 2024 comprehensive plan identifies the location as a mixed-use community/workplace place type and that C-1 is among the recommended zoning categories. Staff noted surrounding parcels already include C-1 zoning and mixed-use development, and that the change would provide flexibility for future development while keeping residential options available.

The staff presentation listed permitted uses in R-2 (multifamily, small-lot single-family, duplexes, townhouses and limited utilities) and contrasted them with C-1, which additionally allows neighborhood-serving commercial uses by right and some uses with conditional use permits. Staff said notifications went to nearby property owners within 200 feet; none responded to staff, and staff received five letters of support that were provided to the commission.

James Loris told the commission he and his wife have owned the property and do not yet have a firm development plan; he said the requested C-1 zoning provides appropriate flexibility for future reuse. Commissioners discussed the surrounding mix of commercial and residential development; one commissioner noted multiple nearby developments that already carry C-1 zoning.

The commission approved the land-use change from medium-density residential to commercial and then the rezoning from R-2 to C-1 by voice vote. Staff will process any subsequent conditional use permits or site plans that are required by future proposals for the site.