The Rapid City Planning Commission on Sept. 4 approved a revised plat to consolidate portions of five legacy lots into two lots, aiming to place one single-family dwelling on each new lot and resolve an existing legal nonconforming condition.

Commissioners discussed procedural questions and site history before voting. Planning Commissioner Haven said the proposal was confusing at first because the property consists of “the east 50 feet of 5 different lots” and asked whether the platting was required for a property transfer. A staff member explained the property is legal nonconforming and transferable as-is, but the owner requested the plat to “clean it up,” noting that lenders may have difficulty financing parcels in the current configuration.

Staff advised commissioners that, because the lots are being combined, the resulting parcels will not meet all setback and lot-coverage requirements under current code and will therefore need variances. The staff member said the applicant was informed they do not have to replat to sell the properties but chose to do so to create two separate lots, each with a single-family structure. The staff presentation said the zoning board of adjustment has historically granted similar variances for preexisting conditions.

Planning Commissioner Mike Gallagher moved to approve the plat with three stipulations; Planning Commissioner Vince seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote.

The approval authorizes staff to proceed with platting subject to the stipulated revisions and preserves the applicant’s ability to seek variances from the Zoning Board of Adjustment for required dimensional exceptions. The commission and staff indicated they expect to work with the applicant on those variance applications when filed.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote.