Council approves Bowling Industrial 110 rezoning with 50‑foot setback from abutting residences

The Town of Florence Town Council on Jan. 21 approved Ordinance No. 745‑25 to rezone about 110 acres known as Bowling Industrial 110 from rural agriculture (RA‑10 and RA‑4) to Light Industrial. The decision followed a second reading and public comment from residents, staff and the applicant.

The rezoning drew public concern at earlier hearings over potential traffic, safety and unspecified future uses. The applicant, represented by Jennifer Ruby for Langley Comenah Holdings, and staff negotiated a revised stipulation clarifying setbacks. Ruby told council the developer had modified the proposed condition after staff input and community meetings so it would be clearer over time. The final stipulation requires a minimum 50‑foot building setback from all abutting residentially zoned properties (defined in the town code as parcels that share a common property line, including corner abutments; parcels separated by a street or alley are excluded).

Why it matters Rezoning to Light Industrial opens the site to a range of non‑residential uses and alters the town’s land‑use map for that area; the added setback is intended to reduce immediate impacts to neighboring residences by increasing physical separation between buildings and homes. Council and staff emphasized that many Light Industrial uses will still require separate permits or conditional use approvals and that the code’s permitted/conditional use lists will apply.

Key council discussion points and staff follow‑up - Public notice and prior procedures: Staff confirmed mailed notices within 300 feet, a neighborhood meeting on Nov. 6 and Planning & Zoning hearings on Dec. 5 and Jan. 6 had been held. - Uses list and public clarity: Multiple council members asked staff to include a plain‑language list or a one‑page summary of uses allowed in Light Industrial in the online packet so nearby residents can see examples. Staff agreed providing a reference to the code section (and a simplified handout) would be included in meeting materials and the online packet going forward. - Wall height and other site design: Council asked about wall height and other design standards; staff and the applicant said the proposal will follow code and any use requiring conditional use permits will return for review.

Quotes "The developer shall provide a minimum 50‑foot building setback from all abutting residentially zoned properties," said Jennifer Ruby, counsel for the applicant, explaining the revised wording negotiated with staff.

Ending The ordinance passed by voice vote after council found the rezoning consistent with the town’s 2022 general plan and with the conditions agreed between staff and the applicant. Future site development must comply with the stipulation and applicable development standards; staff will post the clarified uses list in the public packet as requested by council.