Planning commission rejects rezoning that would add 16 apartments near downtown

The Prescott City Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 9 voted 4-2 to deny a rezoning (REZ24-003) and associated minor general-plan map amendment (GPA24-001) that would have allowed a 106-unit apartment complex on three parcels near downtown.

The commission rejected a motion to approve the rezoning and plan change after roughly two hours of presentation, questions and public comment. Vice Chair Tom Riley moved to approve the applications; Commissioner Tom Hutchison seconded. Commissioners Jim Klazewski, Susan Graham, Tom Davis and Chair Don Michelman voted no. Riley and Hutchison voted yes.

Tammy DeWitt, community planner, told the commission the request would rezone three lots historically used as parking and change the future land-use designation from low-to-medium residential to medium-high residential for that area. DeWitt said the existing zoning would allow up to 90 units on the overall site; the rezoning would permit a maximum of 106 units, including adding some three-story buildings, within the city’s multifamily-high density standards. DeWitt also said the proposal included a minor general-plan map amendment to match the rezoning.

The applicant described the revised site plan as an improvement. Johnny Stewart, representing the developer, said the taller buildings will include elevators, and that the three-story buildings would meet the 35-foot height…