The Rapid City Planning Commission approved a rezoning Dec. 5 that will change 2015 East Anamosa Street from Medium Density Residential to General Commercial to accommodate a proposed strip mall and office space.

City staff said the property sits adjacent to existing commercial zoning and is served by principal and minor arterial streets — East Anamosa Street and Mickelson Drive — that can accommodate commercial traffic. Staff recommended approval, citing Plan Rapid City’s urban-neighborhood future land-use designation, which supports neighborhood-serving retail and professional offices. The presentation noted that a screening fence would be required at building-permit stage to separate commercial activity from an adjacent mobile home park and that an updated traffic-impact study would be required if proposed uses generate more than 100 peak-hour trips.

Commissioner questions focused on road classification and compatibility with surrounding residential uses; staff confirmed Mickelson Drive is a minor arterial and described conditional-use processes for potentially sensitive uses (for example, casinos) that would require further review. Commissioner Karen moved to approve the rezoning to General Commercial; Vince seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.

The commission’s approval is a recommendation to the City Council, which will make the final decision on the rezoning request at a subsequent meeting.