Commission denies conditional use permit to allow residence at 777 Antler Drive

The Planning and Zoning Commission denied a conditional use permit request to allow a residential addition at 777 Antler Drive.

Staff explained the applicants—Kevin and Lisa Eberle—received administrative site-plan approval in March 2024 for a 7,380-square-foot office-warehouse building and now seek permission to add an approximately 2,460-square-foot residential addition to the site’s east side. Staff noted the C-4 Highway Business zoning district does not contemplate residential uses as either permitted or conditional uses but cited section 17.76040 of the Municipal Code as a mechanism for allowing other compatible uses "as determined by the Commission." Staff also advised that a conditional use approval would require submission and approval of an amended site plan and that the addition would have to be completed within one year if approved. The staff report listed one recommended condition and cited eight letters of support filed by neighbors and businesses.

During discussion, commissioners weighed whether allowing a residence in an otherwise commercial area would establish an undesirable precedent. One commissioner argued the area is generally commercial with no other residences nearby and opposed changing that pattern. A motion to deny the conditional use permit was made and seconded. The vote carried with Commissioners Elston, Hutchinson, Hunter and Eskew voting in favor of denial and Commissioner Beamer voting no; the motion carried and the conditional use permit application was denied. Staff said it will contact the applicants for further consideration.

Staff also noted the existing site plan work is not yet complete and the building certificate of occupancy had not been issued because site-work conditions remain outstanding.