Ely Board of Adjustment approves rezoning of 15 N 3rd Ave W to R-2 to correct 2004 clerical error

The Ely Board of Adjustment voted Oct. 20 to rezone 15 N 3rd Ave W from Public-two (P-2) to Residential-two (R-2), a change the board said corrects a clerical oversight from a 2004 land sale to Habitat for Humanity of St. Louis County.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Kochendorfer read the public hearing notice and the findings of fact and told the board the property had been sold in 2004 to Habitat for Humanity for construction of single-family housing. Kochendorfer said a home was completed on the parcel in 2016 and is currently occupied by a private party, but the property remained zoned P-2, which does not allow single- or two-family dwellings.

"Single and two-family dwellings are allowed uses in R-2 zoning, but are not allowed uses in P-2 zoning," Kochendorfer said when reading the findings and recommending approval. The findings state the rezoning would align the neighborhood's zoning with its existing residential character and correct the clerical error from the 2004 transaction.

The Findings of Fact, included in the agenda packet and summarized by Kochendorfer, referenced goals in the Comprehensive Plan such as promoting affordability, housing diversity and neighborhood identity. Kochendorfer noted that R-2 zoning would allow multi-family units if necessary, which could broaden housing options in the area.

No written comments, phone calls, or public speakers in support or opposition were recorded during the hearing. After the Findings were read, Board member White moved to approve the rezoning; Palcher seconded. The motion carried without objection. The hearing was closed at 5:06 p.m., and the meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.

The rezoning applies to the parcel at 15 N 3rd Ave W; an adjoining property with a similar issue will be addressed in a separate public hearing, the board was told.