Planners recommend rezoning 1301 Ronnie Drive from local commercial to compact neighborhood with townhomes

City planning staff recommended approval of a comprehensive plan amendment and companion rezoning at 1301 Ronnie Drive to change the property from local commercial to compact neighborhood and to rezone the parcel into two tracks: three townhouse lots (RTH) on the southern portion and a single zero‑lot‑line lot on the northern portion.

Gina Costanza Grant, senior planner, said staff found the property is adjacent to residential neighborhoods and that the change meets multiple criteria for converting nonresidential properties to residential use except for a technical question about a small adjacent parcel that is zoned commercial but developed with a single‑family home. Grant said the applicant worked with staff to size lots and avoid variances; the applicant envisions three townhouse lots requiring 30‑foot minimum widths and one small zero‑lot‑line lot because utilities cross the parcel and moving those lines was not expected.

Grant said staff received one comment in support and none in opposition. The applicant has discussed potential layouts with staff; the southern tract is anticipated to yield three front‑loaded townhouse lots and the northern tract a zero‑lot‑line lot because the parcel is too small to meet single‑family minimums and is constrained by utilities. Staff recommended approval; the proposal will proceed to the public hearing stage where the applicant can present a site plan and the commission may place conditions.

Commissioners asked about driveway access, utility crossing and whether the owner intends to sell or rent the future units; Grant said that information was not provided and the applicant would be at the public hearing to answer detailed questions.