Council denies rezoning request for Hugh Howell Road property, urges text-amendment approach

City council denied a rezoning application for 5950 Hugh Howell Road that would have changed the property from Neighborhood Shopping (NS) to Local Commercial (C‑1), voting 6–1 after hearing planning staff, the applicant and a short public hearing.

Planning staff recommended denial, saying the parcel and surrounding area better fit the lower-intensity Neighborhood Shopping designation. “Staff ultimately did recommend denial of this rezoning application,” Matthew, a city planning staff member, told council during the second reading and public hearing.

The applicant, John Contopadis, told council he needs flexibility for tenants such as a dog groomer and said he would prefer a code change to allow that use in NS. “When I did first come meet with the zoning department, I said dog grooming should be allowed under NS...They suggested that I apply for the rezone,” Contopadis said.

Council members debated process and timing. Several members said a text amendment to the city’s use table could allow the particular uses the owner seeks without rezoning and without creating the broader rights a rezoning would grant. One motion to deny included direction to the city manager to investigate text-amendment options that might allow the desired uses while preserving neighborhood character.

The motion to deny passed 6–1; the transcript records the tally but not roll-call votes by name. Council indicated it will direct staff to explore amendments to the zoning use table and return with options so property owners and prospective tenants can seek compatible uses without rezoning.