Lewiston council approves findings and moves forward with rezoning of 805 Stewart Avenue to C‑4

The Lewiston City Council on July 28 directed staff to draft the written findings approving ZNC 25‑1, a request to rezone 805 Stewart Avenue, and approved the first reading of Ordinance 4949 to amend the official zoning map.

Assistant City Planner Katie Hollingshead presented the application by Steve Carlton, describing the 7.24‑acre site as the former KRLC radio station building and a larger vacant farmland portion. Hollingshead told the council the property currently has a split zone — community commercial (C‑3) at the corner and agricultural transitional (F‑2) on the larger portion — and the applicant requested rezoning the entire parcel to General Commercial (C‑4). She said the C‑4 designation allows second‑story residential uses and mixed‑use development that align with the city’s community commercial designation.

Applicant Steve Carlton said he bought the property “a year or 2 ago” and has had inquiries from prospective buyers and lessees. “You can’t plan anything unless it’s zoned, right?” Carlton told the council. He said he and potential users preferred clearing the old building and starting new construction rather than trying to repurpose the existing structure.

Council members discussed the rezone against the city’s criteria. Hollingshead highlighted staff and Planning and Zoning Commission findings that the parcel’s future land use and collector/arterial location (Stewart is a collector; Thane/Thane Grade an arterial) support community commercial uses. Councilors noted the proposed uses are similar to surrounding C‑3 uses and that the C‑4 designation could provide a buffer where mid‑ to high‑intensity commercial uses transition toward nearby residential areas.

Councilor Wright moved and Councilor Schroeder seconded a motion to direct staff to draft the formal reason statement approving ZNC 25‑1. After deliberation on consistency with the comprehensive plan and other statutory criteria, the council voted in favor with no recorded dissents.

Councilor Forsman then moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 4949, the ordinance implementing the council’s decision in ZNC 25‑1 and amending the official zoning map; the motion was seconded and carried on voice vote. The ordinance will return for subsequent readings before becoming final and effective in accordance with the city’s ordinance adoption process.

The transcript shows the council relied on the Planning and Zoning Commission’s reason statement and concluded the rezoning met the standards the council must consider, including compatibility with the comprehensive plan, suitability of the property for the proposed district, impacts on public services, and conformance with Idaho surface/water use provisions cited in the review.

Ending: Staff will prepare the formal reason statement and the ordinance proceeds through required readings; no development permit or building approvals were granted at this hearing — any construction will require the usual development review and utility and street improvements to be provided by the developer.