Lewiston council approves rezoning for 4.83-acre parcel near 805 Stewart Avenue, directs staff to draft reason statement

The Lewiston City Council voted to direct staff to prepare findings approving rezoning application CNC25-2, which would change an approximately 4.83‑acre parcel west of 805 Stewart Avenue from agricultural transitional (F‑2) to General Commercial (C‑4). The council also approved the first reading, by title only, of Ordinance No. 49-54 to amend the official zoning map to reflect the change.

Assistant City Planner Katie Hollingshead told the council the site is just under 5 acres (about 4.83 acres), sits adjacent to existing commercial corridors near North 40, and that C‑4 zoning would allow a wider range of commercial uses and second‑story residential above first‑floor commercial. "A rezone to our general commercial C‑4 zone would open up Mr. Carlton's ability to develop the property further," Hollingshead said, noting the Planning & Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval.

Applicant Steve Carlton addressed the council and said the current hearing resulted from a prior miscommunication: "I meant to do the whole thing in the first place," he said, explaining he has no detailed plans yet but intends to remove an old radio station building and pursue subdivision and development in subsequent steps.

Council members read the required findings on record—consistency with the comprehensive plan, suitability of the property, expected intensity and density, adequacy of public services, and lack of incompatible uses—and discussed nearby uses and infrastructure. After deliberation, Councilor Schroeder moved to direct staff to draft the reason statement approving CNC25-2 without conditions; the motion carried. The council then approved first reading of Ordinance 49‑54 by title only.

Next steps: staff will draft the formal reason statement and the ordinance will return for subsequent readings as required by city code.