Commission approves rezoning of Spirit Drive parcel from B-3 to R-3

The Richmond City Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 18 approved a zone map amendment to change a parcel on Spirit Drive from B-3 (business) to R-3 (multifamily residential).

The application, described in the meeting as submitted by SMR Enterprises (Roger Thomas), asked to rezone an irregular tract just behind the Bourbon Mart and accessed by Spirit Drive. Planner commentary noted the property is a little more than 2 acres and is surrounded on multiple sides by mobile home park zoning and recently rezoned multifamily parcels. "We think we can utilize it as an r 3 zone given what we're surrounded by," the applicant's representative said, arguing the site lacks visibility needed for a business use.

Staff indicated the request is consistent with adjacent R-3 zoning that was approved earlier this year for nearby Richmond Development Company sites. Commissioners asked whether anyone opposed the application; no opposition spoke at the public hearing.

A motion to approve the amendment passed unanimously. Commissioners voting yes were Commissioner Hsu, Commissioner Short, Commissioner Miles and Commissioner Miller. The transcript does not record the motion's mover or seconder.

Meeting discussion included references to nearby landmarks and prior rezoning actions: the Bourbon Mart (liquor store), Mann Chrysler at the bypass and a tract described as the Holcomb tract that Richmond Development Company recently rezoned. The applicant and staff emphasized the property's long-standing B-3 designation—"about 15 or 20 years"—and that changing to R-3 would align the parcel with surrounding multifamily and mobile-home uses.