Box Elder planning commission recommends rezoning two Redfern lots to Highway Service, forwards plat with stipulation

The City of Box Elder Planning Commission on Feb. 25 recommended that the City Council rezone two lots in the Redfern subdivision to Highway Service and forwarded a corresponding preliminary and final plat with a stipulation requiring engineering plan approval and surety bond acceptance before building permits may be issued.

Michelle, a planner with the City of Box Elder, told the commission the application affects two lots created from a larger parent parcel on a 216–260-foot extension of McGriff Way, south of Reagan Avenue and adjacent to the interstate. "The rezoning request is considered consistent with the stated criteria and appropriate for the location," she said, recommending approval to the council.

Resident Teresa Bridal, who lives at 196 Dorchester Avenue and is within 300 feet of the parent parcel, asked what the rezoning would mean for nearby homes and whether Highway Service would allow uses such as gas stations or truck stops. "I would just like to know exactly what this means," Bridal said during the public hearing. Staff explained the Highway Service zoning permits typical highway-oriented commercial uses — hotels, restaurants, gas stations and similar businesses — and that the developer has been subdividing a larger parcel as construction proceeds.

On a motion by Commissioner Broomfield, seconded by Commissioner Powery, the commission voted unanimously to recommend that City Council approve Rezone 25-02-05-0001. The commission then considered Plat 25-01-28-0101 and 0102, which would create the two lots addressed by the rezone. Planner Michelle said the plat meets subdivision criteria including minimum lot size (over 10,000 square feet) and frontage (exceeding the 100-foot minimum for the Highway Service district). She said staff recommends the plat be approved subject to development engineering plan approval and acceptance of a surety bond by the city engineer before building permits are issued.

Commissioner Alabine moved, and Commissioner Broomfield seconded, a motion to recommend approval of the plat with the stipulated condition; the motion passed by unanimous roll call. Staff said the cases will go before the March 4 Public Works and Planning and Zoning Committee and then to City Council for the rezone hearing and ordinance readings.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendations will be transmitted to the March 4 committee and same-night City Council meeting for formal consideration.