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Planning board recommends subdividing 618 Secret Shortcut Road into two single‑family lots
Summary
The planning board recommended approval of ZM‑20260019 to rezone a one‑acre parcel at 618 Secret Shortcut Road from RSF to SF‑1 to allow two single‑family homes. Staff noted the comprehensive plan designates the area for employment uses and found the request not consistent with that long‑range plan, but the board recommended approval and the matter moves to town council.
Jose Peña, a town planner, presented zoning map amendment ZM‑20260019, a request to rezone a roughly one‑acre parcel at 618 Secret Shortcut Road from RSF (rural single‑family) to SF‑1 (single‑family low density) with the intent to subdivide and build two single‑family homes.
Peña said the parcel is within the mixed‑use activity center on the comprehensive plan and that the plan’s recommendation for the site is for employment‑center uses tied to regional access created by the Monroe Expressway. For that reason, staff concluded the request is not reasonable and not in the public interest relative to comp‑plan goals for economic development and intergovernmental coordination. Peña noted the parcel relies on septic (no sewer available) and that site constraints such as power‑line easements and percolation for septic will be part of the applicant’s due diligence.
The applicant, identified in the staff report as San Antonio and Katie Cunningham, told the board the owners plan to build two family homes and to remain in one residence; a family member who spoke from the audience confirmed the intent is owner‑occupied housing. A neighbor who lives next door (identified in the record as Willlet Oxner's) spoke in support and asked whether existing homeowners could remain; staff confirmed current occupants retain property rights and that heirs may rebuild in the future subject to code.
After discussion, a board member moved to recommend approval of ZM‑20260019 to allow subdivision into two SF‑1 lots. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The planning board’s recommendation will be forwarded to town council for final action; staff reiterated that site‑plan review, septic/percolation checks and setbacks will be addressed during subsequent permitting.
Staff emphasized the distinction between the short‑term approval of a conventional rezoning (a map amendment) and the comprehensive plan’s long‑range guidance for employment uses; the board’s vote does not change the comp‑plan but does send a recommendation to council for consideration.
