Commission rezones Poplar Street parcel to allow split lots for single‑family home

The Casper Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a zone change (ZLC7902025) for 5350 South Poplar Street, changing the property from Urban Agriculture to R-1 Residential Estate to permit reconfiguration into two residential lots.

Staff reported the subject property consists of two platted lots totaling about 1.5 acres with an existing single-family structure spanning both lots. The applicant asked to reconfigure the site with a shared property line running north-south so that an additional residential structure can be built with access off Yesness Lane. Under the current Urban Agriculture zoning the minimum lot size is one acre; R‑1 Residential Estate reduces the minimum lot size to 9,000 square feet per lot, which staff said would allow the proposed split.

The staff report referenced the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Map and said the parcel lies in a Neighborhood 1 category, which the staff memo described as the lowest-density residential classification on the fringe of the community. Staff said it received no written public comments and entered five exhibits into the record. Commissioner Elston and others discussed nearby properties that have transitioned over time from agricultural zoning to residential patterns.

Applicant Cody Klein said he bought the property to build a home near family and intends to split the parcel and construct a single-family house. “I’m just looking to build a house, and it's a great opportunity,” Klein said. Neighbor Tim Shank, who said he lives at 5015 Yesness Lane adjacent to the site, spoke in support: “We have no issues with this. In fact, we're highly in favor of the rezoning so that these lots can be broken up more so that it's a better residential fit.”

Commissioner Hutchison moved to approve the zone change; Commissioner Ruble seconded. With all members voting aye, the motion carried and staff said they will contact the applicant about next steps.

Why it matters: the approved rezone reduces minimum lot-size requirements and enables infill residential development on land previously classified for urban agriculture. That change aligns with staff comments that the comprehensive plan and existing neighborhood patterns support a gradual transition to higher-density residential uses.