Council approves rezoning near 1600 North Wedgwood Lane to central commercial

The Cedar City Council voted to amend the general plan designation for property near 1600 North Wedgwood Lane from low-density residential to central commercial and to change the zoning from RM-3 (multiple dwelling) to CC (central commercial).

Resident Jason Ashworth, who spoke in favor of the change, told the council the property is an “odd-shaped” parcel that would better blend with commercial uses on that side of the street. Ashworth said a commercial designation would avoid putting apartments adjacent to a large fenced correctional facility and argued small commercial spaces would serve local needs. “I just think it just makes more sense to do something commercial,” Ashworth said.

Council discussion noted the location’s existing surrounding uses and a street separating the subject parcel from single-family areas. One councilmember said they generally avoid removing low-density residential from the general plan but supported this instance after hearing public testimony and site considerations.

A motion to amend the general plan and adopt the zoning change carried; council members voting on the record said “aye.” No formal amendments to the ordinance language were recorded in the transcript.

The change will permit central commercial uses on the property; the council did not specify any site-specific conditions or a development plan in the meeting record. Staff noted there were no additional changes since the prior week’s review and that planning staff and the applicant had discussed the item at planning commission level.