Planning commission recommends rezoning 602 S. Daisy to let Andover Auto Body expand, asks staff to notify neighbors

The Andover Planning Commission recommended approval of a rezoning request for 602 South Daisy on a divided vote, forwarding the case to the city council with a request that staff notify neighbors when the site plan review for the property occurs.

The commission’s action on case Z‑825‑0002 would change the lot’s current SF‑1 (single‑family) zoning to B‑3 (Retail and Service Business), allowing the adjacent Andover Auto Body to expand parking and storage. City zoning administrator said the applicant bought the lot to expand his business and that "a new structure and the screening for it will go before the site plan review committee," and staff noted the property abuts residential lots.

Residents who spoke at the hearing told the commission they were worried about commercial encroachment, lighting, and effects on neighborhood character. ‘‘I've looked at the Activate Andover comprehensive plan adopted August ’23 and it looks like my neighborhood is solidly in mixed residential,’’ said resident Darren Berger of 628 South Daisy Lane, who questioned whether the plan anticipates commercial uses and asked how homeowners can plan for change. Another nearby homeowner said she bought in part for the neighborhood’s secluded feel and worried the lot would become a storage area for inoperable vehicles.

Applicant Jeff Kirkendall, who identified himself and his business during the hearing, said the purpose of acquiring the lot was practical: "Basically, just wanting to need more parking," and he said the fence and screening are intended to "hide all those cars" so they are not visible from the neighborhood.

Commission debate centered on the 14 statutorily required findings. Staff told the commission utilities and access are available, the lot is platted, and a screening plan would be required if the rezoning is approved. Commissioners acknowledged the economic benefits of an expanding local business but were divided over whether the change would have detrimental effects on adjacent properties.

Commissioner Clint Tiner moved to recommend modified approval based on findings the commission recorded during the hearing and to attach a directive that staff notify residents when the site plan review meeting is scheduled. The motion was seconded and passed by the commission; the public record shows the case will be forwarded to the governing body for consideration at its regular meeting on Jan. 13, 2026. The chair also explained that protest petitions may be filed with the city clerk through Dec. 30, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.; if valid protest petitions are filed by owners of record representing 20% or more of the notified area, the council would require a three‑quarters vote to pass the change.

If the rezoning is approved later by the city council, the property would still be subject to the city’s site plan review, buffering, and lighting restrictions, steps staff and several commissioners said are intended to mitigate potential impacts on nearby homes. The planning commission’s recommendation includes the request that staff proactively notify nearby residents about the timing of the site plan review so neighbors can participate.

The case record, including staff findings and the commission’s written summary, will be forwarded to the governing body for its consideration on Jan. 13, 2026.