Council directs staff to draft ordinance approving rezone of Lot 9 from R2 to R3 after closed-record hearing

The council held a closed-record hearing to consider a rezoning request for Lot 9 (short plat 3868) to change the zoning designation from R2 (lower-density residential) to R3 (higher-density residential). Staff presented the packet, noting the Planning Commission had recommended denial on the basis of Comprehensive Plan Goal 5 (orderly development and transition between land uses), while staff’s recommendation favored approval based on other plan goals.

Legal and planning staff explained the quasi-judicial standard for rezones and the requirement that council findings be supported by the administrative record. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about how Comprehensive Plan goals should be applied, what constitutes compatible transitions between zones, and how findings would be framed to withstand judicial review if appealed.

After deliberation a council member moved “to approve the rezone of Lot 9 of short plat number 3868 from R2 to R3 consistent with the land-use designation map and the goals and policies contained in the Benton City municipal code” and the motion carried; staff were directed to prepare an ordinance and findings to bring back for formal adoption. Council members and legal counsel noted that if council elects to adopt an ordinance approving the rezone, that ordinance must contain findings and conclusions based on the record.

No final ordinance vote occurred that evening; the council’s action authorized staff to draft the ordinance language and return with an ordinance for a subsequent council vote.