Cody planning board tables rezoning request for Olive Garden Subdivision strip after public concern

The City of Cody Planning, Zoning, and Adjustment Board opened a public hearing March 11 on an application to rezone a 3.65-acre parcel in Olive Garden Subdivision No. 2 from rural residential (RR) to R2 zoning. Mark Christensen, the contract planner on the review, told the board the applicant has submitted a preliminary plat and is asking to rezone Lot 1 on the subdivision map to match adjacent R2 zoning and relax a tight building envelope.

Why it matters: The requested change would reduce the front-yard setback standard on the affected lots (from 35 feet in RR to 20 feet in R2, with R1 at 25 feet cited as a midpoint), allow some conditional uses not permitted in RR, and permit duplexes in R2 that are not allowed in RR or R1. Neighbors raised concerns that an R2 designation at this location could allow higher-density housing or short-term rental uses inconsistent with the surrounding single-family character.

Christensen summarized the staff analysis and criteria under state statute, noting that a rezoning must be reasonably consistent with the comprehensive plan and municipal considerations, including character of the district and historic preservation. He told the board that the parcel’s future land use designation in the comprehensive…