Planning commission approves rezoning of 1408 Sanhicea Drive amid neighbor drainage concerns

The Planning Commission voted to approve a rezoning request for 1408 Sanhicea Drive, changing the parcel from C-2 General Commercial to R-2 Residential Duplex, after a staff presentation and public comment from a nearby property owner.

Planning staff described the request as a downzoning that would reduce the intensity of permitted uses on the site and better match surrounding residential development. "The proposed duplex aligns with the predominant residential character," said Mr. Howell during the staff presentation, arguing that R-2 setback and height standards would ensure compatibility and reduce potential noise, lighting and traffic impacts compared with commercial uses. Staff also said the rezoning was consistent with Resolution 35-17, a local policy intended to protect single-family neighborhoods.

Alan Jones, the applicant representing Stone Creek Consulting LLC, said his client considered a single-family option but favored a duplex given adjacent commercial uses. Jones said the site would not be extensively filled to change drainage patterns: "The buildings will have to be elevated to at least the finished floor; we're not going to be filling the site," he said, adding that the owner is willing to remove a rear building and clean up trees and debris on the property during construction.

Neighbor Naomi Morrison, who owns the house immediately behind the parcel, urged the commission to address long-running drainage problems that she said have affected her property and her mother's yard for years. Morrison said there may be a covered culvert behind the Lucky Mart building that is blocking flow and pointed to prior blockages and debris. "All that water is coming all over onto my mom's property," she said, and offered photos and videos to staff. The commission and staff acknowledged the complaint; Mr. Pettyjohn was identified in the record as checking into the issue and staff said code enforcement had issued at least one citation related to nearby properties.

After the presentation, an unidentified commissioner moved to approve the rezoning and a second was recorded. Roll call produced affirmative votes from Commissioner Cornelius, Commissioner Witt and Vice Chairperson Howe; the motion carried and the rezoning was approved. The record does not provide a complete roll-call tally for every seat, and the transcript records one previously noted absence (Amstena). The mover and seconder are not named in the public record excerpt.

Commissioners invited Morrison and other residents to follow up directly with Vice Chairperson Howe and city code staff about the drainage work. The applicant said he and his client would address on-site cleanup and building removal during the construction phase. The commission adjourned following the vote.