The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to forward a staff‑recommended rezoning for 821 Southeast 7th Street that would change the site’s land‑use designation to high‑density residential and permit a 12‑unit multiple‑household building, provided the final design substantially matches the conceptual plan presented.

Sriyoshi Chakraborty, planning staff, described the narrow‑lot design: stacked front and rear units with tuck‑under parking and a principal entry consistent with older multifamily patterns. Staff recommended approval contingent on (1) a maximum of 12 units on the 0.193‑acre parcel and (2) substantial compliance with the applicant’s concept to ensure the proposal fits the area’s evolving character. Chakraborty noted the notice area opposition percentage was 30.5%, which means City Council would need a supermajority vote to adopt the rezoning.

Applicant Daniel Doyle and his design and engineering team showed elevations and circulation proposals intended to minimize curb impacts and to place parking to the rear. Dan Drentel of Slingshot Architecture said the plan is an early, thoughtful solution for a narrow lot that aims to preserve a human‑scale frontage while adding density.

Multiple neighbors opposed the rezoning. Concerns included lack of sufficient off‑street parking, possible flooding and stormwater impacts where residents reported past flooding after nearby development, the three‑story scale adjacent to single‑family homes, and general strain on narrow alleys and local infrastructure. Opponents included longtime residents who said the neighborhood had few vacancies but also several boarded or derelict houses that needed attention.

Commissioners debated the tradeoffs: some praised the creative narrow‑lot approach and the need for infill housing near downtown; others questioned whether a three‑story building fits a block of largely single‑family houses and pointed to high area opposition. Staff clarified that if the applicant cannot meet parking requirements or match the concept, the result could be a reduced unit count at the site plan stage.

The commission made a motion to recommend the staff conditions (cap of 12 units and substantial compliance with the concept) and the motion passed on a voice vote. Because the opposition by area exceeded the threshold, City Council will require a supermajority to adopt the rezoning and any associated land‑use change.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to City Council; site plan review and any Type 2 design exceptions will be handled in subsequent administrative processes.