Commission rezones 441 South Washington to R3 multifamily; vote 4-0 with one abstention

The Liberal City Commission voted to approve Ordinance No. 4628, rezoning 441 South Washington from C2 Commercial to R3 Multifamily, with a 4-0 vote and one abstention.

City planning staff told commissioners the property is currently vacant and adjoins existing R3 zoning. The Planning and Zoning Board considered the application on Dec. 12 and unanimously recommended the commission approve the rezoning. Staff said building plans have been submitted for two duplexes (four residential units total) and that the developer has already begun some site grading for a pad that does not require a building permit.

Commissioner Parsons moved the ordinance and Commissioner Vasquez seconded. One commissioner, Ron, disclosed a working relationship: the property owner is an employee of French Construction and Ron said he had helped the owner through the process but stated he expected no financial gain. The city attorney advised that if a commissioner had concern about a possible conflict, it is better to abstain; Ron did so. The motion carried 4-0 with one abstention.

Planning staff said the property will be split from four platted lots into two lots for the duplexes; because the lots are already platted the split will require only administrative county action. No further conditions or variances were noted in the meeting record.

The ordinance adoption adds four residential units to the city's housing stock, according to submitted building plans; further permit inspections and approvals will follow standard building-department procedures.