Council introduces zone map amendment for vacant parcel on North Downs; first reading passes

The Ridgecrest City Council on Wednesday introduced an ordinance to amend the zoning map for a privately owned vacant parcel on North Downs between West Ward and West Graff, moving the parcel from RSP (public use) to Commercial Neighborhood.

Heather, a city planning staff member, said staff initiated the zone change after finding the parcel had been labeled public use (RSP) on the map, potentially because the parcel south of it is owned by Sierra Sands. "The property owner is aware of it and is pleased with us moving forward," Heather said, noting the parcel is vacant and the owner is actively marketing it for sale.

Planning staff told the council the parcel's size, frontage and lot depth conform to the zoning code and that its general plan designation already lists the site as Commercial Neighborhood, so the proposed rezoning would bring the map into conformance with the general plan. The proposed ordinance requires two meetings under the city's code; Wednesday's action was the introduction and first reading by title only.

Councilmembers asked whether there had been public comment at the planning commission; Heather said a representative of the property owner attended the planning commission hearing and no other public comments were reported. The owner is working with a realtor and has no specific development plans, Heather said.

The council voted 5-0 to introduce the ordinance by title and waive full reading. A second reading and a further vote are required before the zone map change would be final.

The council did not specify the property—s APN in clear form during the meeting; the staff report included parcel identifiers but the transcript rendering of the numbers was unclear. The planning staff report and the planning commission record will be available in the city—s agenda packet for those seeking parcel-level details.