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Commission backs rezoning near Jim Hamilton–L.B. Owens Airport to allow residential use
Summary
The planning commission recommended approval of a zoning map amendment (ZMA 20250018) to remove an airport safety overlay and permit residential uses on parcels in the 1700 block of Rosewood Drive; the airport manager advised use of avigation easements and coordination with state aeronautics and FAA reviews.
The City of Columbia Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of ZMA 20250018, an amendment to the zoning map for the 1700 block of Rosewood Drive that would remove an airport safety overlay and allow residential development in the neighborhood activity center corridor district.
Planning staff explained the airport safety overlay derives from state and federal airport safety mapping and that the overlay restricts residential uses and imposes a 35‑foot height cap. Removing the overlay would allow the zoning district to permit residential uses with a typical neighboring‑residential cap of 45 feet (the base district allows up to 50 feet but is capped adjacent to residential property).
Ashok Kumar, representing the property owner, told the commission the owner plans apartments on the parcel; Kumar said an existing gas station occupies part of the lot and that an architect and civil engineer are preparing plans. Kumar said the immediate proposal envisions nine units (three per floor across three floors) though options for clearing the gas station and a larger development were discussed.
Peter Savalas, airport general manager for Jim Hamilton–L.B. Owens Airport, said the property is roughly 4,900 linear feet (about 0.81 miles) north of the runway end and offset from the centerline. Savalas described past use of avigation/abrogation easements — approved by the FAA and county counsel on other nearby projects — that inform prospective owners the airport may overfly the property and indemnify the airport from claims.
Staff noted that even if the overlay is removed, federal FAA and state aeronautics reviews can apply to height and safety questions and that aeronautics reviews and easements are common mitigation tools. The commission discussed whether a formal easement should be required as a condition; staff said the overlay triggers required measures but removal does not by itself prevent aeronautics review.
A motion recommending approval of ZMA 20250018 (amend the zoning map to remove the overlay at the 1700 block of Rosewood Drive) passed by voice vote. Staff advised that larger residential developments over certain thresholds would return for site plan review.
The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.
