Commission approves 7.21-acre rezoning to Countryside to allow homeowner rebuild

The Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved rezoning about 7.21 acres at 18155 Kansas Highway 52 from Agriculture to Countryside to permit reestablishing a residence where a home was lost to fire.

Planner Jenny presented staff findings for case USKS107LU20261 and recommended approval, saying the property previously contained a single-family residence, that surrounding parcels remain agricultural or pasture, and that the request aligns with the county’s comprehensive plan to allow limited rural residential redevelopment where appropriate. Staff noted that parcels under 10 acres fall into the Countryside classification under county zoning rules.

Applicant Carly (also transcribed as Carley) Campbell told the commission the proposed 7.21-acre square would reestablish a home site where the previous residence stood and that utilities (rural water, electric and gas) and driveway access exist. Neighbors at the hearing said the parcel will host a single house and the rezoning will not create a subdivision; one neighbor asked why the title change was necessary, and staff replied it was required by county zoning rules for parcels under 10 acres.

Commissioners reviewed the county’s eight 'golden findings' and agreed there were no anticipated detrimental impacts to surrounding agricultural operations for a single rural residence. A motion to approve the rezoning based on staff findings was made and seconded; the commission passed the measure unanimously.

The rezoning takes effect according to county procedures; the commission did not record additional conditions beyond standard permitting and subdivision limits for Countryside parcels.