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Columbia City council unanimously denies rezoning request for Business 30 lot
Summary
The council voted unanimously to deny Ordinance 2025-26, which would have rezoned a Tanglewood subdivision lot from R-2 (two-family) to R-3 (multifamily) to allow a four-unit townhome; planning commission recommended denial and members raised concerns about driveway access onto Business 30 and parking capacity.
Columbia City’s common council voted unanimously on Nov. 12 to deny a rezoning request for a single lot on West Business 30 that would have allowed a four-unit townhome.
Nathan, the planner presenting the item, said the petitioner applied to rezone the lot from R-2 (two-family residential) to R-3 (multifamily) so a single four‑unit structure could be built. ‘‘As proposed, the building would fit within zoning setbacks,’’ Nathan said, but he added the plan commission had given a unanimous unfavorable recommendation and the petitioner had not responded to staff follow-up requests.
Council members raised safety and design concerns. One councilmember noted the lot’s 60‑foot setback was small compared with neighboring properties with 100‑foot setbacks and highlighted that Business 30 has a 45 mph speed limit: ‘‘If you have multifamilies, you could maybe get a couple cars in there and try to back out. What if you have more than 3 vehicles?’’ the member asked, noting on‑street parking along Business 30 is not appropriate.
Another councilmember observed that under existing R‑2 zoning the owner could build two duplexes, which could be a fallback option but is more costly for the developer.
With those concerns unanswered, the council made and seconded a motion to deny Ordinance 2025-26; the motion passed unanimously.
What’s next: The applicant may revise the proposal or pursue development that conforms to existing R‑2 rules; the council record shows denial at this meeting.
