Plan Commission Reviews Map of Non‑conforming Agricultural Parcels, Defers Action

Planning staff presented a mapping exercise showing concentrations of agricultural parcels that are non‑conforming with their surroundings and outlined options for a phased rezoning clean‑up. Staff said they organized parcels by quarter to make concentrations visible and that some flagged parcels would be logically compatible with future residential uses.

Commissioners asked about workload, prior efforts to clean up maps and whether rezoning would require concurrent amendments to the comprehensive plan's future land‑use map. Staff explained that any rezoning must be consistent with the future land‑use map or that the future land‑use map would need amendment. Staff also said the spreadsheet identified approximately 25 properties that appear to lack technical barriers to rezoning to R1 or R2.

Members raised practical questions about properties with multiple structures, grandfathering of existing buildings and the risk of "spasing" (creating isolated surrounded parcels). Staff said structures already on a lot would generally be treated as legal nonconforming as of the adoption date and that future additions could create compliance issues. Commissioners discussed outreach options — an informal letter to owners versus a formal notice process — and the costs tied to required publications and mailed notices, which staff said the city typically covers for map redraws in similar past actions.

After discussion, the commission agreed there was no urgency to begin an immediate program of rezonings. Members asked staff to keep the mapped information available and to return with a prioritized list or a draft approach if the commission decides to move forward at a later time.