The Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 7 recommended that the city permanently zone 7098 I‑70 Drive Southeast to R‑2 (two‑family dwelling) upon annexation. Commissioner Wilson moved for approval; Commissioner Darr seconded the motion and the commission approved the recommendation by roll call vote; the recommendation will be forwarded to city council.

Staff told the commission the 1.33‑acre parcel is currently Boone County RS single‑family and is contiguous to city planned development to the north. The applicant, represented by Simon Strumpf Engineering, said the intent is to place a two‑family home on the site and to connect to city sewer service. "I want sewer, and it gives me access to sewer. And that's what I need here," owner Bartley Stevenson said.

Why it matters: If the city annexes the parcel, the R‑2 zoning would permit a two‑family dwelling and change the local regulatory framework from county single‑family zoning. Staff concluded the R‑2 request "is consistent with the surrounding land use, the existing use, and the merits of the Columbia Imagine Comprehensive Plan" and recommended approval.

Commissioners clarified scope: the commission only makes a recommendation on zoning should the city decide to annex; the commission does not vote on annexation itself. "We don't vote on annexation, we just vote on zoning should the city decide to annex it," the chair said during the hearing.

Public comment at the hearing included the applicant and one nearby property owner who asked why the owner sought city service rather than remain in the county. The applicant confirmed the desire to connect to city sewer because an on‑site wastewater option was not suitable. Staff said all required public notifications were sent and that the proposal would not create nonconformities by requesting R‑2 upon annexation.

The motion was approved by roll call: Commissioner Stockton (yes), Commissioner Gray (yes), Commissioner Darr (yes), Commissioner Galway Jones (yes), the chair ("my vote is yes"), Commissioner Wilson (yes) and Commissioner Walters (yes). The recommendation will be forwarded to city council for final action on zoning and any annexation decision.