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Centerville council approves rezoning for Garlock parcel at 535 South 400 West
Summary
After a public hearing and neighbor opposition, the Centerville City Council voted 4–1 to rezone the Garlock property at 535 South 400 West from Agricultural Low to Residential Low, allowing up to four housing units on the parcel. Planning staff said the change is consistent with the city general plan; opponents cited privacy, trees and traffic.
Centerville City Council voted 4–1 on Feb. 4 to approve an ordinance rezoning the Garlock property at 535 South 400 West from Agricultural Low to Residential Low, a change that raises the parcel's allowed density from two units per acre to four units per acre.
The rezoning drew a public hearing and sustained neighborhood concern. Planning staff told the council the request is consistent with the city general plan and with surrounding zoning, and noted the planning commission recommended approval, 5-1, after its Jan. 22 hearing. "The parcel in question is located within Neighbor 2 as described in the city general plan," staff reported to council. The applicant, Betty Jo Garlock, said her goal was "to create more affordable housing" and described plans that could result in four single-family homes on the lot.
Neighbors said the change would be a marked departure from the area's existing character. Adjacent homeowner Brian Richmond, who said his property borders the Garlock parcel, told the council, "Betty Jo, no offense. I love you, but I don't agree with you." Another adjacent resident, Shreya Fulton, said the area's neighborhood plan seeks "a rural sense of community" and warned the change would encroach on agricultural land, reduce privacy and add traffic to Fourth West.
Staff and the applicant described parcel specifics during the meeting. The applicant said the lot has roughly 50 feet of frontage and is about 290 feet deep; staff confirmed Agricultural Low allows about two units per acre while Residential Low allows about four units per acre. Staff also reminded the council that development details ' including street layout, utilities, setbacks and a subdivision plan ' will be reviewed later, at which time infrastructure upgrades (water, sewer, road) and fire access would be confirmed and any required upsizing would be borne by the developer.
Council discussion focused on balancing private property rights and neighborhood concerns. A motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-01 amending the zoning map for parcel 03-001-0076 carried 4-1. Council members did not resolve site layout issues during the rezoning vote; a subsequent subdivision application and site plan will determine final lot sizes, street configuration and utility connections.
The applicant acknowledged multiple build options remain possible and said she has consulted builders and neighbors during early concept work. Planning staff noted that while the council is being asked only to change zoning, additional technical requirements must be satisfied before any homes can be built.
The council's action changes the parcel's zoning designation but does not approve a specific site plan or final plat. Those items must return to the planning process before building permits are issued.
