Commission recommends denial of proposed Highway 41 North commercial rezoning, citing growth plan conflict

On Dec. 4 the Springfield Regional Planning Commission recommended denial of a proposed rezoning on Highway 41 North that would change a parcel from R-40 (low-density residential) to C-1 (commercial).

Planning staff told commissioners the parcel sits inside Springfield’s urban growth boundary but that the 2024 comprehensive growth plan designates the area for medium-density residential use. Staff said introducing C-1 commercial zoning at this specific location ‘‘could create long term compatibility issues’’ with existing and planned residential uses and might establish a precedent for fragmented spot zoning. For these reasons staff recommended denial and presented denial as the commission’s suggested action to Robertson County, which has jurisdiction over parcels outside city limits.

Commissioners discussed annexation possibilities and the practical steps required for property owners to annex into the city in the future. After discussion the commission made a motion to recommend denial; the record shows the commission followed staff guidance and the motion carried.