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Commission recommends denial of MF-18 rezoning on Petaluma amid density and neighborhood-character concerns
Summary
The commission recommended denying a request to rezone 223 E. Petaluma from R4 to MF-18 for six units, siding with neighborhood opposition and staff’s alternate recommendation for a smaller, conditional approach.
The Zoning Commission on June 24 recommended denial of a rezoning request for 223 East Petaluma that would have changed R4 (single-family) to MF-18 (multifamily) and potentially allow denser development on the one-acre parcel.
Staff opposed the MF-18 request and offered an alternate: R4CD (R4 with a conditional use) allowing up to four dwelling units. The applicant’s representative, Elizabeth Russell, said the owner reduced an original concept and intended three duplexes (six units) to achieve financial feasibility and planned condominium-style ownership. Neighbors and the Denver Heights Neighborhood Association objected, saying MF-18 is out of character with surrounding R4 lots and worried future owners could develop to the zoning maximum.
Commissioners questioned alternatives including an IDZ process or replatting; several noted that under R4 or a replat the owner might realistically reach similar or higher unit counts via ministerial subdivision. The commission concluded the neighborhood’s character and the lack of support weighed against MF-18 and recommended denial; the case will now go to City Council as the commission’s recommendation.
What’s next: The applicant may pursue alternative pathways or pursue a conditional R4CD approach with the neighborhood.
Sources: Staff report, applicant presentation, neighborhood testimony.
