The Iowa City Planning Commission on the recommendation stage approved a rezoning request for about 2.69 acres north of East Foster Road, voting 7-0 to move the matter to City Council for a public hearing.

Madison Conley, Associate Planner for the City of Iowa City, told the commission the request (case REZ25-0005) would reclassify a portion of Lot 4 in the Forest Hill Estates subdivision from OPD RS 12 (high-density single-family with planned development overlay) to RS 12 (high-density single-family). Conley said the rezoning is intended to create a consistent zoning designation to match a proposed boundary line adjustment with an adjacent parcel.

The rezoning would not change permitted land uses or create development potential on the subject parcel because an existing conservation easement covers the area, Conley said. "Staff is also recommending a condition that no building permit be issued for Lot 4 Forest Hill Estate Subdivision until the city approves a boundary line adjustment that conforms to the proposed zoning boundaries," she said.

Conley reviewed the planning context: the city comprehensive plan's future land-use and the North District plan both show the property as appropriate for conservation design and public or private open space because of sensitive features such as regulated slopes, wetlands and wooded areas. She said Lot 4 was identified in the 2018 final plat as 9.52 acres and includes a conservation easement; the rezoned 2.69-acre portion would remain subject to that easement.

Ron Amalan of MMS Consultants, speaking for the applicant, said he was available to answer questions but offered no substantive changes to staff's presentation. Commissioners asked for clarification about map labeling; Conley agreed to add clearer lot labels in future materials.

Commissioner Hensch moved to recommend approval; a second was made and the motion passed 7-0. Staff said no written public comments were received and no "good neighbor" meeting was held for this rezoning. The next step is a recommendation to City Council to set a public hearing on the ordinance.

Why it matters: the action aligns zoning designations to enable a boundary adjustment related to the Forest Hill Estates development while keeping the parcel protected by a conservation easement that staff says prevents building on the rezoned portion.