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Council approves first reading of ordinance to rezone parcel near downtown for building expansion
Summary
The Powell City Council approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone a parcel from BT to RG to allow a commercial expansion near two churches; the Planning and Zoning Commission had split 4–3 on the request and council discussion flagged spot-zoning and neighbor concerns.
The Powell City Council approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone a downtown parcel from BT (Business Transitional) to RG (General Business), a change supporters say will allow an existing facility to expand its building. The ordinance (No. 4 20 25) passed on first reading after a motion and second; a council member said, “I’ll oppose it right now,” but the motion carried.
Council members and speakers spent the item describing the site as adjacent to a large parking lot between a Catholic church and a Presbyterian church and discussed whether the area remains residential or commercial in character. Ben Hubbard said the applicant seeks the rezoning to permit a building expansion that would be subject to shorter setback requirements under RG zoning, allowing an addition with a 10-foot setback instead of the 25-foot setback that applies under residential rules. Hubbard also noted the applicant’s interest in adding a covered gathering area for churchgoers to use after services.
The council heard that the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended the change by a 4–3 vote. One council member characterized the request as “a bit of spot zoning” and suggested staff or the applicant consider negotiating with adjacent property owners to create a larger contiguous parcel or shared parking solution. Residents and supporters from the nearby Catholic church attended the PNZ hearing; a council member said roughly 60 members of that congregation came to the PNZ meeting to back the request so the church could build a covered area for gatherings and funerals.
City staff clarified that earlier ordinance changes on related topics had not fully addressed the applicant’s needs, which is why the rezoning request proceeded. The council debated safety concerns at the corner and whether the change would extend the city’s commercial core into areas currently used for residential purposes and surface parking.
The ordinance passed on first reading. Council members noted this was the first reading and that additional readings or procedural steps remain before final adoption. No final vote on adoption was recorded at the meeting.
The council did not take additional, binding actions on design or parking at this meeting; council members directed staff and the applicant to continue outreach and review as the ordinance proceeds through any required subsequent readings.
