The Iowa City Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a rezoning (case REZ25-0006) affecting roughly 2.69 acres south of East Foster Road, advancing the item to City Council for a public hearing.

Madison Conley, Associate Planner, told commissioners the rezoning would change the subject parcel from RS 12 to OPD RS 12 so it could be combined with Lot 5 of the Forest Hill Estates subdivision through a boundary line adjustment. Conley said Lot 5 is under construction under a 2024 major site plan that approved five buildings and 19 townhouse-style dwelling units; the subject parcel will be used to accommodate stormwater for that development.

Conley said both the comprehensive plan and the North District plan indicate the land is appropriate for conservation design and open space because of sensitive features. She noted Lot 5's final sensitive areas development plan identifies regulated slopes, wetlands and wooded areas; the subject parcel is constrained by those features and existing easements, so the rezoning would not increase developable area beyond what the major site plan already allows.

Ron Amalan of MMS Consultants, the applicant's representative, attended to answer questions; none were raised. Commissioner Hensch moved to recommend approval; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Conley said staff received no written public correspondence and no good-neighbor meeting was held for this rezoning. The commission instructed staff to forward a recommendation to City Council to schedule a public hearing on the ordinance.

Why it matters: the rezoning aligns zoning designations with approved site plans and enables a boundary adjustment that supports stormwater infrastructure for a nearby townhouse development while preserving conservation and sensitive-area protections.