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Rezoning request for several downtown parcels put off after notice error; applicant must reissue notices
Summary
The Planning Commission did not act on a multi-parcel rezoning application affecting downtown parcels after staff and legal counsel determined the published notice was inaccurate; the applicant must re-notify adjoining landowners and the newspaper before the commission can hear the item.
The Planning Commission took no action Sept. 23 on a proposed rezoning that would change several downtown parcels to higher-density residential zoning after staff and legal counsel found the public notice in the newspaper described the application incorrectly.
Legal staff told the commission the published notice referred to a planned multifamily development rather than the correct zoning classification requested (R-3 high-density residential). "This public notice in the newspaper is inaccurate," legal counsel said; staff confirmed adjacent property notices used the same terminology. Planning staff directed the applicant to reissue corrected notices to adjoining landowners and the newspaper and to return with the corrected materials; without corrected public notice the commission cannot take a substantive vote.
Why it matters: The request covers multiple parcels including a former grocery-site parcel and adjacent gravel parking lots and raised strong public interest. Commissioners and residents present discussed whether demolishing or repurposing the former grocery building and nearby lots is appropriate for the neighborhood, but the commission declined to hear public comments on the merits because the notice was defective and the item will need to be re-published and re-heard.
Process next steps: The applicant must provide corrected public-notice materials and updated application documents to staff at least 15 days before a future hearing; staff indicated the earliest feasible hearing would be the Oct. 28 meeting if corrected notice and materials are provided in time. The commission emphasized that rezoning would not guarantee a particular site plan; any subsequent development would still require plan-review, possible variance requests and permit review under applicable R-3 standards.
Public participation: Several residents were present for the hearing and were advised they would be given an opportunity to comment at the properly noticed future hearing. The commission noted that after a correct notice is issued, the board will accept oral comments and consider the application on its merits.
