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Planning Commission votes to deny rezoning request for 1023 Vaughn Drive; encourages applicant to seek variance from BZA
Summary
The commission issued an unfavorable recommendation Jan. 13 for PCRZ-24-10, a request from Ryan Leach to rezone 1023 Vaughn Drive from Open Space to HDR residential. Commissioners and public commenters raised spot‑zoning and setback concerns and staff advised the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) as an alternative route.
The Madison City Planning Commission on Jan. 13 voted to deny application PCRZ-24-10, an applicant request to amend the Official Zoning Map to reclassify 1023 Vaughn Drive from Open Space to HDR (high‑density residential).
Planning staff told the commission that the house at the address has stood since about 1996 but is currently classified in Open Space on the zoning map and therefore not authorized for a dwelling unit under the zoning ordinance. The applicant, Ryan Leach, said he would not expand the building footprint but would extend walls where a porch exists to bring parts of the structure into more conventional enclosure.
Neighbors voiced concerns. Lisa Hammock, whose property abuts the parcel, told the commission she had a recent survey showing the building sits very close to the lot line and asked whether the applicant would be moving toward the boundary; the applicant said the work would remain elevated on stilts and would not expand the footprint. Charlie Ricketts, a resident, called the proposal “a classic example of spot zoning,” and urged caution about changing the zoning along the riverfront.
Staff and commissioners discussed process alternatives. Planning staff advised that because open‑space zoning does not permit dwelling units, the owner could instead seek a variance of use from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Staff noted a variance of use would be processed by the BZA and would allow a conditional exception without amending the city’s zoning map. The BZA meets after the planning commission and staff said they would schedule the applicant for that body’s next meeting.
Commissioners said they were reluctant to change the zoning map and feared opening the door to spot rezoning along the riverfront; one commissioner said recommending denial would preserve the zoning map while allowing the applicant to pursue a variance with the BZA. The commission’s motion to deny the rezoning request carried on a roll‑call vote; the commission recorded an unfavorable recommendation to the city council.
