Planning commission gives unanimous recommendation to rezone 11.7-acre parcel at 249 E. 1000 North to light industrial

The Tula City Planning Commission voted 7-0 Wednesday to recommend that the City Council change the zoning of an 11.7-acre parcel at 249 East 1000 North from RR-5 (rural residential) to a light industrial zoning district.

The rezoning recommendation, made at the commission’s June 11 meeting, follows a staff presentation describing the property as a holding zone that currently allows low-impact residential and agricultural uses and a presentation from the applicant on a concept plan for office-fronting and flex-warehouse buildings.

Andrew Agard, planning staff, told commissioners the parcel is designated light industrial on the city’s land-use map after a recent council amendment and described the RR-5 district as a “holding zone” that permits single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, agricultural uses, churches and low-impact facilities. Agard also noted the city’s Master Transportation Plan shows future right-of-way connections through the property and that the city’s development ordinance requires developers to construct required right-of-way improvements plus 30 feet of asphalt as projects move forward.

Jay Cohen, a representative of Grow Development, said the company intends to develop office-style buildings along 1000 North — likely 10,000 to 20,000 square feet — and flex warehouse units behind them. "Our intent . . . is to do a light industrial project," Cohen said, describing storefront-style frontages for showrooms and garage-bay warehouse space at the rear. He said some units would be for sale and some for rent and that the developer has discussed road construction and utility connections with adjacent landowners.

Cohen also said the developer revised the site layout after feedback from the council and commission to increase separation between business operations and the adjacent senior-living facility. "We're trying to be as accommodating and good neighbors as possible and keep business operations and things further away from them," Cohen said. Agard told the commission notices were sent to adjacent property owners and that staff had not received comments on the application.

Commissioner Hamilton complimented the applicant for addressing the commission’s earlier concern about buffering the senior-living facility. The commission then moved and voted to forward a positive recommendation to the City Council by a 7-0 vote.

The recommendation is advisory; final authority to change zoning rests with the Tula City Council, which will consider the commission’s recommendation at a future council meeting. No public comments were received at the planning commission hearing, and council review dates were not specified at the meeting.

Details from the commission record: the parcel was described as 11.7 acres, currently zoned RR-5 (residential, five-acre minimum), and is adjacent to Fire Station No. 3 and the Our House assisted living facility. The developer referenced coordination about constructing north–south and east–west road connections shown on the Master Transportation Plan.

Next steps: the rezoning will be placed on the City Council agenda for final action; any conditions or specific development standards would be set through council action and subsequent platting and permitting.