East Ridge planning commission approves rezoning of 403 Donaldson Road to legalize duplex

On May 4, 2026 the East Ridge Planning Commission approved a request to rezone 403 Donaldson Road (tax parcel 156EL00701) from R1 (single-family) to R2 (two-unit) to legalize an existing duplex, the commission recorded a 4-0 vote.

Planning staff told commissioners the rezoning is intended as a technical correction, not to enable new construction: “This is really just a cleaning up of a zoning district ... the request is intended solely to legalize an existing legal non-conforming use,” the staff member said. Staff traced the change to the city's municipal zoning code 481 (adopted 1989) and related, earlier rezonings in the area, noting the parcel's surroundings include single-family homes to the north, multi-residential developments to the east, two-unit properties to the south and a church to the west.

The commission approved the request by roll call; Vice Chairperson, Commission member Cornelius, Commission member Wit and the Chair each recorded a "yes" vote. Commissioners were told that under the zoning rules a lawfully nonconforming building may be rebuilt after damage if the damage is less than 50% of the building's value; if damage exceeds that threshold the building would have to conform to R1 standards.

A resident speaking during the public-comment portion raised concerns about flooding and potential light pollution tied to nearby development activity and referenced a separate parcel (referred to by the commenter as "529") and a possible resubmission to a different zoning category. The resident said they had discussed plans with an engineer and asked whether the commission would address those concerns. “My concern has to do with some flooding issues and the light pollution potential,” the resident said.

Staff responded that affected residents receive mailed notice when a rezoning application is filed (mailings to properties within 300 feet) and that items are posted on the city website and with a posted sign at the property. Staff also said Hamilton County has the authority to impose property-specific restrictions and that the city reviews access and construction-entrance placement with safety and emergency-vehicle access in mind.

The commission invited the applicant to sign the record at the podium after the vote. No additional conditions or amendments were recorded in the transcript excerpt. The meeting continued after the item; no further action on this rezoning was recorded in the provided excerpt.