Council hears land-use appeals over zoning-transition overlay, tables decision to Feb. 19

The Grants Pass City Council on Monday opened a quasi‑judicial hearing on petitions by a small number of property owners to restore higher‑intensity zoning that was removed when the city repealed a 2014 zoning transition overlay (ZTO).

City Community Development planner Bradley Clark told the council the ZTO was adopted in 2014 during an urban growth boundary expansion to provide an optional, higher‑density zoning path for certain lots while the city completed transportation planning. Clark said the city mailed letters in October 2022 to 742 tax parcels outlining two options: do nothing and revert to prior zoning, or pursue an “option B” rezone to retain the higher‑intensity zoning. After outreach and follow‑up, Clark said 11 owners initially asked to retain ZTO zoning, several later changed their minds, and the current application package covers 18 tax lots and seven owners.

Roel (Raul) Warner of CSA Planning, the consultant engaged by the city, summarized the outreach and application consolidation. Warner said the city offered to process option‑B requests without a fee and that the planning commission recommended approval following a public notice period; he told the council no one appeared at the planning‑commission hearing to oppose the applications and that public agencies that returned comments supported the package.

Councilors pressed staff on the chronology and on whether property owners had ample opportunity to respond. Councilor Rob asked why some owners waited to participate; staff said follow‑up contacts, property listings, and negotiation with the highway agency over traffic‑study requirements stretched the timeline. Councilor Kathleen and others asked whether this round was a one‑time window to claim the ZTO equivalent; staff replied it was a limited, one‑time cleanup, and future rezones would require separate applications from property owners.

One member of the public spoke in opposition but the mayor noted the commenter’s remarks largely addressed other city topics. After council questions and brief discussion, Councilor Victoria moved and Councilor Eric seconded a motion to continue both related land‑use items to a date‑certain (Feb. 19) for further consideration. The council voted to table the matter to Feb. 19.

Why it matters: the ZTO was a tool used to help the city meet a 20‑year housing target during urban growth boundary changes; removing the overlay returns most parcels to prior zoning while allowing a small subset of owners a path to retain higher‑density zoning. The council’s decision to delay final action gives councilors more time to review staff materials and for any additional outreach or questions to be resolved.

Next steps: the council will take the items up again at the Feb. 19 meeting; staff told councilors they expect two separate motions will be required that night — one for the comprehensive‑plan amendment where applicable and another for the zoning map amendment.