Staff recommends denial of medium-density rezoning for Nora Road parcels due to steep slopes and isolation from services

Lead planner Kelsey briefed the commission on a request to reclassify approximately 18 acres on Nora Road from RN1 (single-family) to RN5 (general residential/medium density). Staff recommended denial, citing the property’s steep topography—much of the site sits on Sharp’s Ridge with slopes primarily above 40%—and its isolation from community activity centers, sidewalks and transit access.

Kelsey said the parcel’s current ‘‘other open space’’ designation was intentional in the one-year plan and east-city sector plan because of topographical and environmental constraints. Staff noted existing pavement widths on the local road are narrow (10 to 18 feet), nearby CAT bus service is a mile away without sidewalks, and the site lacks planned sidewalk installations that would connect to commercial areas.

During discussion commissioners raised the possibility that if a buildable consolidated area exists it could accommodate development while preserving surrounding conservation areas; Kelsey responded that the hillside-protection overlay would remain and that the request was inconsistent with multiple comprehensive-plan policies that discourage creating small, isolated pockets of residential development in constrained terrain. The applicant’s acreage figures were noted as estimates because the parcels lack recorded surveys. The transcript records discussion but no final action.