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Planning commission recommends rezoning 19.3 acres at George Washington Blvd. to PUD, narrows permitted uses
Summary
The planning commission voted Jan. 7 to recommend rezoning about 19.3 acres at George Washington Boulevard and Washington Fields Road to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) with a narrowed list of permitted uses and conditions requiring coordination with adjacent landowners on access. Commissioners split over process; staff and the developer said the approach helps secure an anchor grocery tenant.
The Washington City Planning Commission on Jan. 7 voted to recommend approval of Z‑25‑24, a rezoning request to PUDC for approximately 19.3 acres at the northeast corner of George Washington Boulevard and Washington Fields Road, with specific changes to the applicant’s proposed use list.
Staff described the request as a two‑step approach: apply the PUD zoning now to establish permitted uses, then require a subsequent site plan, elevations and technical reviews before any construction. Eldon, the planning presenter, explained the proposal includes five proposed access points and a broad list of potential commercial uses; staff recommended the commission review and edit the use list to remove items clearly inappropriate for the site.
The proposal prompted robust debate. Commissioner Anderson objected to approving a broad PUD use list without full design details, saying the approach "is completely counter to how we do these things" and urging either straight zoning for a known anchor or a more detailed PUD submission. Other commissioners and staff said modern development practice sometimes requires early clarity on uses so buyers and lenders can proceed.
Public commenters raised safety and access concerns at Camino Real and requested coordination with adjacent property owners. Matt Nielsen of Evergreen Development said the site is intended as a grocery‑anchored center and the developer has no intent to pursue RV sales or storage units despite their appearance on the draft list: "It's going to be a grocery‑anchored development," Nielsen told the commission.
After reviewing the proposed uses line by line, commission members agreed to recommend removal of certain items (storage units; motor vehicle, trailer and recreational vehicle sales agencies; hotel/motel; and cleaning/laundry/repair services as drafted) and to clarify that any uses are subject to later site plan and design review. Commissioner Mitchell moved to recommend approval of the rezoning with conditions including coordination on shared access and a modified use list; Commissioner Davis seconded. The motion passed on roll call; Commissioner Anderson recorded a Nay. The commission’s recommendation will go to city council for final action, with staff to include the modified exhibit of allowed uses and the caveat that site plans and technical studies must still be approved prior to development.
