Commission approves rezoning at Meridian and Hancock to RM‑15 (no STR) amid neighborhood design requests

The Planning Commission approved a rezoning for 712 Meridian Street, changing the site from an existing specific‑plan residential overlay to RM‑15 (multifamily residential alternative) with a restriction to exclude short‑term rentals.

Applicant architect Blake Daniels said the team initially pursued an SP with higher density but scaled the proposal to a straight rezoning to RM‑15 after discussion with planning staff and the neighborhood; the rezoning reduces the allowable unit count to four units under the RM‑15 standard and the applicant said the design would step down to match the neighborhood. Daniels noted the property is on a corner with nearby commercial uses (a restaurant and recording studio) and described the rezoning as a ‘‘modest density’’ increase appropriate for that context.

Maffren Park neighborhood representatives asked the applicant to engage on design details and parking since nearby Meridian and Hancock corridors include a mixture of older single‑family houses and new commercial activity. Speakers urged the developer to adopt materials and rooflines more consistent with older neighborhood houses and asked for a community meeting. Commissioners encouraged applicant–neighborhood engagement but found the RM‑15 alternative zoning matched surrounding policy seams (T4 NC to the north and T4 NM to the east/west) and recommended approval.

The commission approved the rezoning and asked the applicant to continue conversations with neighborhood representatives about design, parking and curbside impacts. The council member for the area was not present.