Zoning advisory panel recommends rezoning of 1836 Washington Street to C-4; item goes to City Council

The Zoning Advisory Commission voted May 6 to recommend rezoning 1836 Washington Street from R2A to C‑4, a change the property owner says would allow construction of a contractor shop adjacent to an existing light‑industrial building.

Pat Norton, a representative with Biesing & Associates, said he was appearing on behalf of owner Gary Korner and described the request as narrowed to a single lot rather than the broader rezoning originally sought. "He would like to build a essentially a contractor shop adjacent to his current building," Norton said.

Associate Planner Sheena Moon told the commission the subject parcel has historically functioned as a community garden and is surrounded by a mix of zoning districts, including nearby C‑4 and light‑industrial lots. Moon said utilities are adequate and staff does not anticipate significant traffic or environmental impacts. "To date staff has not received any public input either for or against this project or this request," she said.

After brief discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend approval as submitted, the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Chair noted the commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration on May 18.

For now, no specific development permit or site plan has been approved; staff said any redevelopment will be subject to the city's development‑review process and conditions such as parking and site design.