Commission recommends rezoning for 5.8‑acre Chippewa River parcel to enable subdivision and utility connections

The City of Eau Claire Plan Commission voted 7–0 to recommend rezoning of a 5.88‑acre parcel along the Chippewa River that is currently zoned R‑1A and not yet permanently connected to city water and sewer.

Staff presenter Ryan Petrie said the property’s future‑land‑use designation is low‑density housing and that the lot was originally annexed without a permanent zoning assignment tied to sewer service. The applicant seeks rezoning so the property owner can bring the site into compliance and pursue a future certified survey map to subdivide the land.

An applicant representative using the name Erickson (Everyday Survey and Engineering) described the parcel as “a very desirous piece of ground” with river frontage and said it is currently water‑and‑sewer‑served but lacked the permanent zoning needed for future land division. He told commissioners an easement provides access to an adjacent triangular parcel and that some utility features—such as a city lift station at the site’s southwest corner—affect how access and division will be handled.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about access and easements; the applicant confirmed the existing easement will be continued and granted as part of the future plans. No members of the public provided comment during the public‑hearing portion. A motion to recommend approval carried unanimously and will be forwarded to City Council for final action; staff noted that any future subdivision or certified survey map will be administratively reviewed after zoning approval.