Council rezones two lots in Whitaker Addition from Commercial General to Residential Single‑70 to match existing homes

The Pryor Creek City Council on Oct. 26 approved a rezoning request for two lots in the Whitaker Addition so that the zoning designation matches existing single‑family use.

Jessie Stringer, speaking for applicant 8 Point Creative LLC, told the council the lots in question have long been used as single‑family homes and that the requested rezoning from Commercial General to Residential Single‑70 is a correction so owners can obtain mortgage financing. “We're simply asking that the zoning new zoning designation matches the existing use that has already been there,” Stringer said.

The legal description read into the record identifies the south 25 feet of Lot 17 and all of Lot 18 in Block 28 of the Whitaker Addition. The council’s motion amended the requested designation to Residential Single‑70 to match parcel sizes and existing uses.

Council discussion acknowledged that the zoning map contains a historical inconsistency affecting a larger block of homes along Old Highway 20; members said they plan to consider whether to address the block comprehensively in a later proceeding rather than handle each lot individually. Councilmember Gontier said spot zoning can be problematic if done poorly but is not inherently illegal and that the city should correct zoning errors when they are identified.

The council voted to approve the rezoning (mover: Kenneth Brashears; second: Gauthier). The motion passed on roll call. City staff said the corrected zoning will allow affected homeowners to pursue conventional mortgage financing where lenders require zoning to match use.

Next steps: Staff will record the zoning change and update the city zoning map and notify affected property owners. Councilmembers suggested staff consider a follow‑up process to review the entire block’s zoning for consistency.