Syracuse planning commission recommends rezone of ~2.5 acres to R-2 for seven single-family lots

The Syracuse Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council rezone about 2.5 acres at approximately 2800 South and 1400 West from A-1 (agriculture) to R-2 (low-density residential), a move the applicant says would allow seven single-family homes on the parcel.

The recommendation matters because rezoning would change allowable uses and, if City Council approves the rezone, the applicant intends to submit a subdivision plat that — if it meets city code — would be approved through a vested entitlement process. Staff told the commission the parcel and the proposed R-2 zoning are consistent with the city's general plan and surrounding development.

Planning staff introduced the item as a rezone request for an undeveloped agricultural parcel and described two likely access options for a future public road: a connection to an adjacent street or a cul-de-sac. The staff presentation noted that R-2 zoning in the area could permit up to seven single-family homes and that, should City Council approve the rezone, the applicant would later submit a subdivision plat subject to site-plan review. The staff report also flagged that the city code does not require developers to construct a through-street in this instance, though staff recommended connectivity when appropriate.

Taylor Adams, a nearby resident, said he shares a backyard with agricultural land near the site and asked for contractual assurances that any development would produce single-family homes consistent with the neighborhood. “I know that myself and other neighbors are hoping ... it will follow the standard of the neighborhood in what it exists right now with a single family home,” Adams said during the public hearing. He also said neighbors would prefer access from the west and that they expect an opportunity to comment on the subdivision plat when it is filed.

Rod Coonan, another nearby resident, told the commission he opposed the rezone and said Syracuse appears to be growing faster than local maintenance and infrastructure can handle. He raised concerns about road conditions and questioned whether the city should permit additional development without addressing maintenance and service capacity.

The applicant, identified in the record as Chase Stevenson, told the commission his proposal is to create seven lots served by a cul-de-sac and that they do not intend to pursue a larger development. “Our desire is to do a cul de sac there and do the 7 lots. We aren't trying to do anything more,” Stevenson said.

Commissioners discussed vesting and process: staff explained that if the rezone is granted the property becomes vested to the R-2 standards; when the applicant later submits a subdivision plat, the city is required to approve the plat if it meets code standards. Commissioners noted the proposal aligns with the surrounding pattern of development and the general plan designation.

A motion to recommend approval of the rezone to City Council was made and seconded; the chair called for the question and the motion passed by voice vote. The planning commission’s recommendation is advisory; the final decision rests with City Council.

The rezoned acreage and any subsequent subdivision would return to the commission or city for the subdivision-plat approvals and site-plan review required by city code. Neighbors were encouraged by staff to participate in the review process for the plat to raise any concerns about access or lot layout.

Votes at a glance: the Planning Commission voted by voice to recommend approval; the record shows an affirmative vote and the motion passed. No roll-call tally with member names was recorded in the meeting excerpt.