Planning commission recommends rezoning six parcels near 40th and Summit View to small convenience center

The Yakima City Planning Commission voted unanimously Jan. 8 to recommend the Yakima City Council approve a non‑project rezone of six parcels totaling about four acres from single‑family residential (R‑1) to Small Convenience Center (SCC) (file RZ‑005‑24; SEPA DNS 016‑24).

City staff said the parcels sit at the intersection of Summit View Avenue and North 40th Avenue (principal arterials) and North 39th Avenue (local access), are served by City of Yakima sewer and water and Nob Hill Water Association water, and are currently occupied by single‑family homes and a church. Staff recommended approval, noting the rezone implements the Comprehensive Plan 2040 designation of “community mixed use” and that a SEPA determination of non‑significance was issued Dec. 17, 2024.

The rezone is non‑project in nature: staff and the applicant provided a conceptual site plan showing potential uses such as daycare, office and retail, but no land‑use development application has been submitted. Staff emphasized that any future development will require project‑level land‑use review, which could require frontage improvements, traffic mitigation and additional agency review. The Planning Commission’s recommendation will go to City Council, likely in February.

Applicant Leanne Lidicode said she appreciated the commission’s review and that SCC zoning would allow flexibility for the site. Daniel Tilly, who identified himself as the personal representative for Dorothy Davis, described preliminary discussions that anticipate dedicating right‑of‑way for two new left‑turn lanes — one on North 40th northbound and one westbound on Summit View — to address heavy congestion at the intersection.

Several neighbors raised concerns about traffic and access. Angela Gondo, property manager for the building at 3910 Summit View (representing Evergreen Investment), said adjoining lots provide access for tenants and warned that redesign of the corner could affect their entrance. Resident Anna Shea (23 Kenny Drive) said she is worried about increased traffic near homes and children. Staff and the applicant explained those traffic and access questions would be addressed during project‑level review.

A motion to approve the non‑project rezone (RZ‑005‑24) carried unanimously. Commissioners noted no agencies registered opposition and that the rezone is consistent with the city comprehensive plan policies cited in staff’s report. The next step is a City Council public hearing on the recommendation.

Votes at a glance: Planning Commission — motion to recommend approval of non‑project rezone RZ‑005‑24 (SEPA 016‑24) — passed unanimously; absent: Commissioner Hughes Mickle and Vice Chair Knapp.