Developer seeks R5 for duplexes; staff recommends R3 as compromise to preserve single‑family character

A developer requested rezoning of a 7.525‑acre property at 1722 Ball Avenue from R2 to R5 to allow construction of duplexes on part of the site and single‑family homes on another portion. Staff recommended considering R3 as a compromise zoning that would preserve a single‑family detached character while permitting higher lot density than R2.

Applicant representatives said their plan is to create four lots along Ball Avenue suitable for duplexes (four duplexes were discussed), retaining the existing home and creating two single‑family lots along Thread Mill with smaller homes. They argued the Ball Avenue frontage already abuts multiple mobile homes, manufactured‑home parks and other R5 zoning along the street, and that duplexes would act as a buffer between the mobile‑home area and the single‑family neighborhoods.

Staff analysis noted the R5 district allows duplexes and smaller dwelling sizes; R3 would permit smaller lots and dwellings while maintaining single‑family detached housing only. Staff proposed R3 on the Thread Mill side as a “smoother transition” between R2 and R5. Developer asked for R5 on Ball Avenue to preserve flexibility for duplex construction.

Neighbors and supporters discussed lot sizes, road frontage (about 270 feet of usable frontage), utility easements and the practical layout for four duplex lots (each roughly 30–35 feet wide by 250 feet deep as sketched by the applicant). One speaker noted a nearby property had been rezoned to R5 without duplex exclusion in December, which developers used to argue consistency.

The commission discussed the layout, usable depth and buffer function of duplexes and approved the applicant’s requested path forward; the commission’s approval moves the recommendation to the county commission for final action.