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Council approves two R‑1 lot splits on Northwest 50th Street after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing and staff review, the council approved two lot‑split applications on Northwest 50th Street. Staff confirmed the new parcels meet the city's R‑1 size standards; neighbors spoke in favor of preserving neighborhood character but acknowledged the properties were vacant or underutilized.
Warr Acres — The City Council on Sept. 16 approved two lot‑split applications on Northwest 50th Street following a public hearing that drew neighborhood comment on preserving the area’s acreage character.
The council voted to approve lot split applications for properties on Northwest 50th Street after the city planner confirmed both proposed parcels meet the requirements of R‑1 zoning. The planner said the R‑1 minimum lot width is 60 feet and minimum area 7,200 square feet; the proposed new lots were 65.9 feet wide and measured about 19,802 square feet (west lot) and 21,004 square feet (east lot), respectively. The staff report noted the split does not change the zoning or allowable single‑family use.
An attorney read a written public comment from Kelsey Ketchum urging the council to preserve the neighborhood’s “acreage” character. The planning presentation, and subsequent discussion, distinguished neighborhood preference for larger lots from the city’s current zoning standards: city staff said ordinances that previously mandated larger lots had been amended in earlier years and the proposed parcels meet the city’s current requirements.
Jose Antonio Avila, the applicant, said he intends to build single‑family homes on the new lots and estimated plans for 2,200–2,500 square‑foot houses; he told the council he has family in the area and expects the new homes to “help the neighborhood a little bit on the value.” Several neighbors said the site had been vacant for many years and that two new homes would be an improvement over ongoing vacancy and maintenance issues.
After public comment the council closed the hearing and approved both lot split items. Staff noted one of the parcels previously contained abandoned state‑owned structures that had been removed.
What’s next: The approvals are for the lot splits only; any future rezone or multi‑unit use would require a separate application. Building permits, site improvements and utility connections will be required during the permit review phase.
Votes at a glance: The council approved the lot split agenda items by recorded voice votes during the meeting; final tally counts were entered in the official minutes.
