Council approves first reading to rezone 1300 Third Ave SE to allow fifth dwelling unit

The city’s planning staff presented a request on Feb. 25 to change the zoning for 1300 Third Avenue SE from Traditional Residential Flex (TRF) to Traditional Residential High (TRH). Seth Gunnarsson, zoning administrator, said the parcel is about 5,600 square feet with a 2,200‑square‑foot structure and that the rezoning would allow the owner to add a fifth dwelling unit through interior remodel (no exterior addition specified in staff’s presentation).

Gunnarsson said six required parking spaces are provided on site and adjacent properties owned by the same owner assist with on-site parking. He said the request is consistent with the Future Land Use Map classification of Urban High Intensity and that City Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval on Feb. 6. Staff recommended approval; second and third readings were scheduled for March 11 pending the outcome of the public hearing.

During council comments, members asked whether the fifth unit would be an interior conversion (Gunnarsson said it likely would be an interior remodel, possibly in the attic) and whether the property fell within the Wellington Heights historic district (Gunnarsson said he believed the parcel is outside the district but would confirm and noted exterior changes would require review by the Historic Preservation Commission if applicable). Council discussion included concerns about density, the difference between rooming houses and traditional apartments, neighborhood quality and the need for future tracking of conversions to ensure management and neighborhood compatibility.

Council adopted the ordinance on first reading by voice vote. Staff will confirm the property’s historic district status for the record and return for subsequent readings on March 11.