Planning Commission Denies Rezoning Request at 1313 McBryan Road

The City Planning Commission on Nov. 3 voted 3-0 to deny a request to rezone property at 1313 McBryan Road (Tax Map ID 169G-HD-019) from R-1 (single-family residential) to R-2 (duplex). The request, submitted by property owner Sabrina Bradley, sought zoning that would allow short-term vacation rental use.

During the commission’s discussion, planning staff summarized compatibility concerns tied to short-term rentals, saying they "often introduce transient occupancy and increased turnover, which can alter neighborhood dynamics and lead to more frequent nuisance complaints." Staff also noted that rezoning a single lot within an established R-1 subdivision can be considered "spot zoning," and cited Resolution 35-17 that the commission and city council previously passed to protect single-family districts.

Bradley, the applicant, told the commission she bought the small house after unsuccessful attempts to sell and said she needed rental income to cover mortgage costs. "I'm so unprepared for this," Bradley said, describing herself as nervous and saying she was not seeking large groups: "It would be only for traveling nurses so we're not talking about families coming, vacation families and that type thing." She said the unit would be small, likely host no more than four people, and provide parking for up to two cars. Bradley also said she had already booked a monthly stay and that traveling nurses were a likely tenant group; she added that if renting did not work out her disabled daughter — who has lupus — could live in the house.

Commissioners questioned the permanence of rezoning, noting that once a property is rezoned the designation remains and future owners could build duplexes permitted in R-2 zones. Commissioner Cornelius said granting a rezoning in the middle of an R-1 neighborhood "is kind of spot zoning, and it's kind of deteriorating from the subdivision concept." The commission emphasized protecting the established residential character and expressed concern that approving one rezoning could set a precedent for additional requests.

Planning staff clarified an important regulatory point: stays of 31 days or more — such as monthly placements of traveling nurses — generally are not classified as short-term vacation rentals and therefore may not require rezoning to R-2. "Any traveling nurse that we've had this brought up before, if it's 31 days or more, you don't have to have it rezoned to R-2," staff said.

After brief discussion, Commissioner Witt moved to deny the rezoning request; Commissioner Cornelius seconded. By roll call, Cornelius, Witt and interim Chair Brian Williams voted yes to deny; the motion carried.

Votes at a glance

- Appointment of interim chair: Motion by Commissioner Witt, second by Commissioner Cornelius. Outcome: Approved (Brian Williams appointed interim chair by roll call).

- Approval of Oct. 6, 2025 minutes: Motion by Commissioner Witt, second by Commissioner Cornelius. Outcome: Approved by roll call.

- Rezoning — 1313 McBryan Road (R-1 to R-2): Motion to deny by Commissioner Witt, second by Commissioner Cornelius. Roll-call votes: Commissioner Cornelius — yes; Commissioner Witt — yes; Chairperson Brian Williams — yes. Outcome: Denied.

The commission chair adjourned the meeting after other routine items.