Planner recommends denial of rezoning to allow two dwellings at 2027 South Nursery Road

Gina Castanza Grant, planner with the city’s planning department, told the commission the applicant seeks to rezone 2027 South Nursery Road from R40 (single-family residential) to SP2/R6 so the two existing structures could be treated as separate detached single-family dwellings. "The staff recommendation is denial," Gina said, noting the parcel’s two-acre size, tree cover and a prior ownership dispute that included a court decree and a withdrawn subdivision attempt.

Gina said the detached northern structure had been partially converted toward a livable unit but that city regulations do not permit an accessory dwelling unit in this location; building-permit records had allowed only a workshop/office use with a toilet but no bathing facilities. She added that because the request is for an SP2 (generalized site plan) the approval would limit the lot to two detached single-family units but would not permanently lock the exact building footprints shown on the site plan; should the homes be significantly damaged they could be rebuilt in different compliant locations under R6 standards unless the commission instructed otherwise. A member of the public who had signed up, Miss Virginia Robinson, was present and may address the commission again at the public hearing.

Commissioners questioned whether allowing two units would permit future redevelopment that differs from nearby parcel patterns and noted portions of the rear lot are in the floodplain. The commission did not take formal action during the work session; the case will be heard at the public hearing where the applicant can present additional details and the commission may make a recommendation to City Council.