The Springfield Regional Planning Commission on Dec. 4 voted 5-2 to deny a request to rezone two parcels at 2209 Ruth Street from R-10 to R-7, following public opposition and debate among commissioners.

Neighbors spoke during the public-comment period urging denial. Bob Snead, who said he and his wife own 2205 Ruth Street, told the commission he is “opposed to that move,” describing the adjacent lot as “very narrow” at roughly 30 feet and saying the couple bought the neighboring lot years ago to preserve privacy and green space. Gary House, representing 13 owners at Country Club Manor across the street, asked why rezoning was needed now if the new owner had no immediate plans to redevelop and warned against higher-density, multiunit construction.

Staff planner Miss Durham recommended approval on substantive grounds, saying the request is “fully consistent with the comprehensive growth plan” and with surrounding densities. Durham also explained technical constraints: R-7 would reduce the side-yard setback from 12 feet to 8 feet, and, crucially, the existing house adjacent to the 30-foot parcel likely prevents subdivision because city code requires a minimum of 50 feet of road frontage for a buildable lot in Springfield.

Commission discussion centered on whether the rezoning would actually enable immediate redevelopment. Commissioners noted that while rezoning to R-7 could create the possibility of further subdivision in the future, the present placement of the existing house makes creating two buildable lots infeasible without removing that structure. Commissioners also emphasized that denials should include stated reasons to limit legal risk.

A motion to deny the rezoning passed with five votes in favor and two opposed. The commission recorded concerns about lot buildability and urged that denials be supported by specific code- or fact-based findings.

The denial is a recommendation to the county (the parcel sits inside the urban growth boundary); staff and commissioners noted the county planning body will continue its review.