Swanson Development seeks annexation and commercial zoning for 6331 Franklin Road

Swanson Development requested initial feedback at a joint conceptual workshop on a plan to annex and zone roughly 100 acres at 6331 Franklin Road for mixed commercial and residential uses. Matt Taylor, representing Swanson, said the firm envisions commercial uses along Highway 96 transitioning to attached housing and then to detached single‑family homes to the south. He described the parcel as "the last piece inside the service infill line."

Staff told the commission and council the property sits about one‑third of a mile outside the city limits but within the city—s service‑infill boundary and urban growth boundary; the future land use map currently designates the parcel SR (suburban residential) with a maximum of four dwelling units per acre. Taylor said Swanson proposes a different mix: about 30 acres of commercial and roughly 70 acres of residential, and estimated a final residential count in the neighborhood of 125 units (applicant estimate). He said residential portions would likely be presented as a planned residential development (PRD) and commercial portions as a bulk commercial zone unless the council preferred a plan development.

On utilities and access, applicants and staff said there is a feasible path to extend sewer but several steps remain. Taylor said he had a preliminary, positive conversation with the regional wastewater district about capacity and that the needed sewer extension would be privately constructed and dedicated to the city. Staff and applicant said easements would be required across neighboring property owned by an —Owen— parcel; those easements have not been secured. City staff discussed the city—s participation policy for sewer upsizing, noting that if a larger diameter or deeper line is required to serve additional properties, a participation arrangement or cost allocation would be considered. The city—s water and sewer staff cautioned that elevation/serviceability constraints could limit how much of the southern portion can receive service until further engineering and a formal "will serve" request are submitted.

Commissioners and council members asked questions about gravity versus pump service, the number of buildable lots given elevation constraints, and the effect of annexing the Franklin Road right-of-way to achieve contiguity. Staff also asked the council and commission whether they wanted to pursue annexing the right of way now and whether they were comfortable with a deviation from the suburban residential designation shown on the future land use map. No formal petitions or votes were filed at the meeting; staff said the session was to provide initial direction so the applicant could decide whether to proceed with formal petitions and design work.

What happens next: the applicant will consider feedback and may file formal annexation and rezoning petitions; staff noted utility, easement and engineering work would be required before a formal application is complete.