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Council approves rezoning to allow four homes on 2.049 acres off Suite Lane
Summary
The council approved rezoning petition 25-ZON-03 to change approximately 2.049 acres from SU-1 to D-2, clearing the way for up to four single-family lots served by a private common drive. City staff reported the plat, drainage and utility plans have been reviewed and no remonstrators spoke at the hearing.
The Lawrence Common Council approved rezoning petition 25-ZON-03 on Nov. 3, 2025, to reclassify roughly 2.049 acres from SU-1 (special use/unbuildable under current zoning) to D-2 (residential), allowing up to four residential lots to be platted and sold individually.
What was proposed: Attorney Russell Brown, representing the petitioner (the Suites family), told the council the parcel in question was part of a larger acquisition of approximately 15 acres formerly owned by Holy Spirit Lutheran Church; the council previously approved related rezoning and platting steps for nearby acreage. The cross-hatched area under consideration tonight is approximately 2.049 acres and would be replatted into four lots served by a private common drive; the petitioner said the homes can be deeded individually (00:35:12).
City review and public comment: Renee Rafala, director of public works, reported that the city reviewed a drainage/stormwater plan and that four separate water meters and sewer connections are planned with easements in place. Rafala also confirmed the yellow portion shown on the petitioner—s map remains SU-1 and is not part of tonight—s petition. The clerk reported no in-person or Microsoft Teams remonstrators registered to speak (00:52:10).
Council questions: Councilors asked how maintenance of the private drive would be handled, whether emergency access and hydrant distances meet requirements, and how utilities will be sited; staff and the petitioner said the plat committee and the BZA previously reviewed access, emergency access, and drainage, and that the private drive will be maintained by the lot owners via shared obligations or an HOA-like arrangement (00:39:50; 00:49:31).
Outcome: The council president announced the petition passed after the hearing and questions; the transcript records a voice approval without a detailed roll-call on the record (00:53:06). The rezoning allows construction of up to four detached residential structures on the replatted lots, subject to building permits and compliance with applicable plat and drainage conditions.
Next steps: Petitioner may proceed with building permits and final plat recording; utilities and drainage must conform to the plans reviewed by city staff and the Marion County plat committee.
