Planning commission approves rezone and general-plan amendment for 103 South Plumas Street

The Willows Planning Commission voted 3-0 on Sept. 2 to approve a rezoning (RZ2501) and a general plan amendment (GPA25-01) for 103 South Plumas Street, authorizing the property to be used both as a residence and a professional office.

Amy Rasek, a planner with Harrison Associates, told commissioners the parcel is about 0.43 acres and contains a structure built in 1920 that currently houses the property owner's law office. Rasek said the site is currently zoned Central Commercial; under that district, residential use is allowed only on the second story when the first story contains a nonresidential use. The applicant asked to rezone the property to Multiple-Residential Professional Office (RP), which would allow a combined residence and office without changing the building footprint. Rasek said no construction is proposed.

The property owner, who spoke at the meeting and identified themselves as the owner of the law office, said they have owned the property since 2016 and wish to live there while maintaining the office. Commissioner Court asked the owner and staff to confirm the lot size; Rasek confirmed the site is 0.43 acres.

Commissioner Court moved to approve the rezone and general plan amendment; Vice Chair Gorham seconded. The commission voted by voice, with the motion passing 3-0. The commission did not take additional amendments to the resolution at the meeting.

The action will allow the owner to use the existing building as a combined residence and professional office under the RP zoning designation. No building permit application or construction was proposed or decided at the hearing. The commission's staff recommendation, the owner's statements about intended use, and the commission's approval were the substantive items on the record for this agenda item.

The rezoning and general-plan amendment were considered and decided during the regular meeting of the Willows Planning Commission on Sept. 2, 2025.