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Buyers outline preliminary plan to subdivide Byrd property on 800 South into three lots
Summary
At the Jan. 14 meeting buyers of the Byrd property presented initial plans to subdivide a 2.32‑acre parcel at 800 South into three residential lots and sought guidance from the planning commission on rezoning, minor‑subdivision rules, private lanes and street standards.
Buyers of the Byrd property on 800 South presented preliminary plans to the River Heights City Planning Commission on Jan. 14 to subdivide a 2.32‑acre parcel (Parcel 020280046) into three single‑family lots.
Drew Taylor spoke for the purchasers and said the family is in a 30‑day due‑diligence period and asked the commission for guidance on whether the city would support rezoning the site from agriculture/greenbelt to a residential zone. Taylor described the parcel as having about 200 feet of frontage on 800 South, extending roughly 500 feet north and west, and a modest elevation change of about 20 feet from front to rear.
Commissioners and staff discussed options the buyers could pursue, including filing an application to amend the general plan and rezone the property (the commission advised R‑18 to match surrounding lots), following the city’s minor‑subdivision procedures for three or fewer lots, and choosing between a dedicated public street or a private lane for access.
Staff cited applicable city code sections for minor subdivisions and street standards (Title 11, Chapter 5) and explained two basic options: a dedicated street requires the city’s standard street improvements (staff said interior streets for minor subdivisions call for 22 feet of pavement, graveled shoulders and a wider right‑of‑way), while a private lane (referenced under the city’s private‑lane provisions) can have narrower pavement dimensions if it remains private and is maintained by property owners. Staff indicated that for two homes entering off a private lane the pavement requirement can be approximately 20 feet, but that for three or four homes public‑right‑of‑way widths rise (the commission cited a 26‑foot right‑of‑way with an 18‑foot asphalt pavement requirement for three or four homes).
Taylor said the purchasers have engaged a civil‑engineering firm to test the high water table they were told exists on the site and that the buyers will provide the commission that report when available. Taylor also said the family is seeking to create primary residences for family members rather than rental or developer lots and asked for the commission’s guidance on private lanes, driveway configurations and any anticipated code hurdles.
Commission feedback included a suggestion to amend the general plan along with other nearby properties if rezoning is proposed, a recommendation to pursue the private‑lane option for the presented layout, and reminders about meeting minor‑subdivision submittal requirements. No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational and the commission and staff outlined the procedural steps and code standards the buyers must follow if they decide to proceed.
