Peculiar aldermen approve first reading of rezoning for Lot 57 after applicant presentation

The Peculiar Board of Aldermen on Monday accepted first reading of an ordinance to rezone Lot 57 in the Westfield subdivision from C-1 (general business) to R-3 (multi-family), a measure proponents said would allow medium-density housing on the 0.852-acre site.

Mr. Epper, a city staff member presenting the item, told the board the applicant seeks rezoning to permit multi-family dwellings and that notices were mailed to property owners within 300 feet and published in local newspapers. He said the planning commission voted unanimously to recommend approval subject to conditions, including review of a minor plat and a rear-yard setback adjustment.

"If the property gets rezoned, there are two administrative steps: a minor plat review and recording with the Cass County recorder," Mr. Epper said, describing the next steps if the board advances the ordinance.

The staff presentation noted several technical items: the R-3 district requires a 30-foot rear-yard setback but the proposed buildings show setbacks of about 27.2 and 27.56 feet, and the local code allows the board to permit up to a 10% adjustment. Mr. Epper also said off-street parking requirements would be met (two spaces per dwelling unit plus 0.5 space per unit for visitors), utilities would be served by city water and sewer, and stormwater had been reviewed by MoDOT and the city engineer. The developer would be required to dedicate an easement for a five-foot sidewalk to connect to the Highland Trail.

The applicant, William Buck of Powell CWN, spoke in support of the rezoning. "We think it'd be a good a good thing for the site," Buck said, adding the property was originally platted for multifamily use.

After the public hearing closed, the board moved to accept first reading of Bill 2025-23 by title only. The clerk conducted a roll call; Aldermen Earhart, Gallagher, Grunwald, Jarrett, Poland and Wells each voted "Aye," carrying the measure.

The ordinance as read identifies the applicant as J M Sarai LLC (Jarnail Sarai) and describes the rezoning as applying to Lot 57, approximately 0.852 acres, in the existing Westfield subdivision, generally south of Willow Lane and west of South Peculiar Drive in the City of Peculiar, Cass County.

The board did not receive public opposition during the hearing. The first-reading approval advances the item to the next administrative steps (minor plat review and recording) before additional permitting or final readings.