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Commission recommends contractor-office zoning at 1795 Heuermann Road despite staff opposition
Summary
Staff recommended denial for a proposal at 1795 Heuermann Road, citing loss of residential character, but the commission voted to recommend approval after the applicant described an office/indoor storage plan and commissioners cited surrounding commercial uses. The commission asked the applicant to engage the adjacent Flores family before council.
Staff Zoning Planner Alexa Ratana told commissioners that Item 6 at 1795 Heuermann Road proposed changing an R20 property (previously approved for an assisted-living conditional use) to a C2 commercial district with a conditional use for a contractor facility; staff recommended denial because the change would further remove residential character and risk industrial encroachment.
Applicant representative Gus Gonzales said the purchaser is a small contractor who expects interior-only storage and office use, that no outside storage is planned, and that the building footprint and site plan include a 15-foot buffer and 20 parking spaces. Gonzales said the prior owner had demolished the dwelling and the new owner is preparing an interior office and limited interior storage use.
Commissioners asked about demolition permits (staff confirmed a demolition permit in April 2025), neighborhood notice and whether the adjacent Flores family had responded to mailed notices. Commissioners acknowledged commercial activity along the corridor near I-10 and said the lot may be better used for contractor services than re-establishing single-family residential. Several commissioners urged that the applicant or representative reach out to the Flores family before the Council hearing to confirm acceptance of the change.
Commissioner Kelly moved to recommend approval; the motion was seconded and carried on roll call despite staff's recommendation for denial. The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council. Commissioners noted site context, surrounding commercial uses, and recommended conditions on screening and lighting could be added at council if warranted.
On the record: "The proposed zoning supports economic development by enabling the small business to operate in a manner consistent with surrounding commercial uses," applicant representative Gus Gonzales said. Staff reiterated that plan amendment and city council approval are required for zoning change to be effective.
Next steps: The commission's recommendation will be included with the council packet; staff and commissioners expect the applicant to contact adjacent neighbors prior to council consideration.
