Commission approves R5 rezoning for Old Lake Road lot but limits use to single‑family homes

The planning commission approved a rezoning of a 2.57‑acre tract on Old Lake Road in Tunnel Hill from Suburban Agriculture to Rural Residential (R5) with a condition limiting permitted use to single‑family dwellings and prohibiting duplexes.

Staff presented that the request was intended to allow the petitioner, Andrew Greason, to divide the parcel into two lots consistent with the density of adjacent properties. The staff analysis noted that while R5 would permit duplex dwellings, the lack of public sewer and the area’s low‑density, single‑family character reduce the likelihood of multifamily development. Staff recommended approval with a recommended condition to explicitly limit permitted uses to single‑family residential to eliminate introduction of duplex dwellings.

Andrew Greason told the commissioners he sought R5 primarily because R3 (an alternative discussed in the staff letter) restricts manufactured homes and he wanted manufactured homes to remain an option; he also accepted staff’s suggested condition prohibiting duplexes on the parcel. A neighbor asked about past temporary mobile homes on the property; Greason and a neighbor explained those units had been removed during a permitting/perk procedure and the petitioner said the units were no longer on site.

Commissioners approved the rezoning with the single‑family restriction and forwarded the recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. The staff record notes the change would allow the property to be developed in a manner similar to adjacent parcels and is consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan.

The commission’s motion and voice vote approved the conditional R5 rezoning; the matter will be considered by the county commission for final action.