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Pleasant Hill commission recommends rezoning 38.59 acres for Hickory Glen Ridge development
Summary
The Pleasant Hill Planning & Zoning Commission voted 6–1 on Feb. 2 to recommend rezoning 38.59 acres in the 7000 block of SE 6th Ave from A‑1 (agricultural) to R‑2 (single‑family attached) for a proposed seven‑phase development at about 2.84 dwellings per acre; one neighbor objected over water, septic and proximity concerns.
The Pleasant Hill Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 2 recommended that City Council rezone 38.59 gross acres known as Hickory Glen Ridge from A‑1 (Agricultural) to R‑2 (Single‑Family Attached), after a public hearing and discussion of utilities, density and neighborhood impacts.
City staff introduced the written rezoning request for land in the 7000 block of SE 6th Ave, describing an anticipated seven‑phase residential development with a proposed density of 2.84 dwellings per acre. Staff noted that installation of access roads, extensions and adequate utility capacity will be the developer’s responsibility and that detailed utility and access requirements will be reviewed at the platting stage of the development review process.
During public comment, Michael and Anita Anderson of 7051 SE 6th Ave submitted written support for the rezoning. Neighbor Reylon Meeks of 1176 SE 72nd St raised concerns about limited neighborhood support for the proposal and potential impacts on private well water, septic systems, basement flooding and wildlife. Meeks also questioned whether the development would require her to connect to city water and sewer and who would bear those costs.
Lowell Bauer, co‑owner of LBJ Land Enterprises, described an offer on the property and the buyer’s plans for residential development, saying the project would increase tax revenue, is well‑located near a park and SE Polk High School, and aligns with the Future Land Use Plan and the city’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioners and city staff discussed rezoning pathways in the City Code and clarified that conversion from septic to city sewer would be triggered by a septic system failure as determined by the Polk County Health Department. Commissioners also debated the proposed density, phasing and the site’s proximity to the city limits and neighborhood amenities.
A motion by Commissioner Jordan Hutchens, seconded by Commissioner Kate Sand, recommended approval of the rezoning. The commission vote was 6 in favor (Meredith Emory, Jeromy Geiken, Jordan Hutchens, Pam Mollenhauer, John Reburn and Kate Sand) and 1 opposed (Luke Hardie). The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for consideration; no final plat or building permits were approved at the meeting.
The meeting record notes that detailed infrastructure requirements, including roads and utility capacity, will be addressed at platting and are the developer’s responsibility. The commission adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
