Zoning commission approves rezoning of 4033 Culebra Road to R3 to allow completion of a dwelling unit

The Zoning Commission voted March 18 to rezone 4033 Culebra Road from C2 commercial to R3 residential single‑family zoning, a change staff said will permit completion of an existing dwelling unit and aligns with the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan’s goal to expand housing types.

Zoning planner Samantha Benevita told the commission the request is consistent with the block’s established pattern — which includes multifamily and light commercial — and staff recommended approval. The applicant (identified in the hearing as Mr. Montano) said construction had started under prior approvals and that the project had paused because of a zoning/administrative mismatch; he asked to continue construction under the requested residential zoning.

Commissioners raised questions about which residential category best fits long‑term land‑use goals and whether R3 could be split into multiple lots. Staff explained the lot size and frontage criteria that distinguish R3, R4, R5 and R6 and said changing intensity above the requested R3 would require re‑notification of neighbors. Staff also noted that certain commercial‑to‑residential conversions in the city allow multifamily density by right under the city’s conversion standards; the staff presentation included an explanation that pure commercial parcels sometimes qualify for a per‑acre multifamily unit calculation.

Commissioner Rob Sipes moved for approval as submitted; Commissioner Janelle Chase seconded. Roll call was unanimous in favor of approval. The case will be forwarded to City Council for final action.