Commission approves commercial rezoning with optional development plan to broaden signage and restrict certain uses (item 8)

The commission approved a rezoning to CS (Commercial Shopping) with an optional development plan for a property near the southwest corner of E 41st Street and S Harvard Avenue. The optional development plan narrows the list of allowable uses in the CS district (excluding uses such as vehicle sales and service) and permits some additional smaller commercial uses not allowed under the existing OL (office limited) designation. Applicant materials noted the rezoning would permit more signage options than OL zoning allows to facilitate building identification.

Staff provided a revised recommendation on the day of the hearing to reflect the applicant’s intent to prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries; the revised staff recommendation was the basis for approval. Nathan (planning staff) explained that the optional development plan focuses on use restrictions and signage changes; no major change to the existing building use was anticipated.

The applicant was present and agreed with the revised staff recommendation. Commissioner Humphrey moved approval per the revised plan; Commissioner Turner‑Addison seconded and the motion passed on voice vote.

Any specific signage or tenant changes will ultimately be subject to sign permitting and building permits under the approved optional development plan.