Planning commission discusses rezoning options for city‑owned food‑storage site

Commissioners discussed a rezoning request for city‑owned parcels used as a food‑storage/food‑bank warehouse and whether the parcels’ current residential zoning was an error or an historic designation that should be amended.

A staff speaker read an email from Christina Hawthorne (SCJ Alliance, referenced in the transcript) noting that the official zoning map shows the parcel as residential and observing that the parcel sits adjacent to commercial parcels. The consultant noted, “My recommendation is to use C3 zoning as it is adjacent to the …” and recommended reviewing past ordinances before concluding whether the current residential designation was an inadvertent error.

Timing and process: FCJ Alliance explained that comprehensive‑plan (future‑land‑use) amendments are typically considered once per calendar year under state law, and the municipal code section transcribed at the meeting (noted as 'section 104.20 0.03') describes an amendment cycle running Jan. 1–Dec. 31. The consultant advised that a site‑specific rezone can be processed at any time of year and is usually faster, but it typically requires neighbor notice, a public hearing and fees; if the comp plan does not already support the requested zoning, a future‑land‑use amendment would ordinarily be required.

Practical outcome: Staff agreed to examine the comp plan and code provisions and to return with advice at the next meeting about whether the parcel can be rezoned through a site‑specific process or must be addressed in the periodic comp‑plan update. Commissioners also discussed whether a letter indicating a rezoning request is "in process" could support applicants seeking grants; staff said they would follow up.

Next steps: Staff or the consultant will check the code and past ordinances, confirm application fees and public‑notice requirements, and report back to the commission. No rezoning or comp‑plan amendment was approved on Nov. 13.