Board approves rezoning for 13 patio homes with 20% rental cap and 1,200‑sq. ft. minimum

Elamin Beshear, representing Metropolis Holding Development, asked the board to rezone roughly 2.45 acres from industrial to R‑5 (patio‑home district) to create a 13‑lot subdivision. Beshear said the homes would be for sale and that the proposed house sizes would fall in the roughly 1,200–1,500 square‑foot range.

Several nearby residents raised questions. Patricia Dorsey Miles asked how the rezoning would "benefit the community" and whether the proposed lots would affect neighboring properties. Linda Williams, who said her property borders the site, asked to see the developer's plan and sought clarity about the number of houses. Rosie Medlock and other residents expressed concern about smaller homes reducing nearby property values.

Beshear responded that the proposed patio homes are consistent with surrounding uses and that the development would "complement the area." He noted the lots will be about 70 by 100 feet (roughly 7,000 square feet) and said restrictive covenants used in nearby neighborhoods would be replicated.

Board members discussed whether covenants should include limits on rentals and house size. One commissioner recommended a rental cap of 20 percent; board members also discussed a minimum house size. The developer agreed to a minimum of 1,200 square feet and to covenant language that would address rentals. The board voted to approve the rezoning to R‑5 with conditions that include a 20% rental cap in the HOA covenants and a minimum dwelling size of 1,200 square feet; the motion passed by voice vote.

The rezoning approval is conditioned on final covenant language and standard planning and subdivision review steps before building permits can be issued.