Planning commission recommends rezoning ADash2018Dash000Dash0000 from general commercial to R‑3

Parowan Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 19 voted to recommend the rezoning of parcel ADash2018Dash000Dash0000 from general commercial to residential R‑3, a change applicants say is needed to fold the parcel into an existing planned residential development.

The recommendation will go to the Parowan City Council for final action. The commission’s vote followed staff presentation and public comment from a neighboring landowner who objected to the change.

Dan (city staff) said the 10‑acre piece directly north had already been rezoned and was now contiguous with the parcel proposed for rezoning, improving access for development. Dan explained the rezoning was necessary because the developer’s planned unit development (PUD) is residential and “you can't bring in your plan until and if this gets rezoned because your planned unit development is residential and this piece has to be rezoned residential in order to be part of this same project.”

Neighbor Lamont Johnson testified from the public microphone, identifying himself and saying, “I own that 1 piece of property to the east of it and I just totally like to object to the transfer of the from the general commercial.” Dan and Brody Swanson (developer) said there had been confusion about which parcels were rezoned previously; Dan clarified the seven‑acre parcel referenced by Johnson had not been rezoned and remains general commercial.

Commissioners and applicants discussed practical constraints, including existing easements and right‑of‑way access to the triangular parcel Johnson referenced. Brody Swanson said he had reviewed easements and expected road construction to resolve access if the parties reach an agreement. Dan noted these are civil matters between property owners and said, “the zoning, whether it's zone commercial or residential, those easements are in place no matter what it is zoned, and you're going to have to comply with those easements or negotiate to change them or something.”

The commission also discussed land‑use mapping: staff noted the city’s future land‑use map (FLUAM) shows differing uses in the area (medium/high‑density residential and light industrial) and that the zoning map and FLUAM are not wholly consistent. Commissioners weighed whether rezoning would reduce commercial frontage near the interchange but did not identify a formal commercial‑preservation threshold.

A motion to recommend rezoning the parcel from general commercial to residential R‑3 for parcel number ADash2018Dash000Dash0000 was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council, which holds final authority on the rezoning. If Council approves, the developer will return with PUD and subdivision plans; the developer and adjacent owners will need to resolve easement and access issues as part of later permit and subdivision reviews.