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Board sends 5th Street condo sketch back to planning over common-area questions
Summary
Developer Dale Stinnett presented a sketch plat for a small 5th Street condo project; the Planning & Development Commission had recommended against approval because the sketch plan lacked shown common-area amenities, and the board voted 4–2 to return the plan to the planning commission for resubmission with clearer common-area proposals.
The board considered an appeal by developer Dale Stinnett for a sketch plan to build small condominium units on 5th Street. Stinnett told the board the design emphasizes private courtyards within each unit rather than centralized common-area amenities.
Planning commissioners had recommended against the plan because the sketch submission did not include common-area features. Aldermen pressed whether private courtyards met the city’s expectations for green space and raised concerns about permitting residential uses in downtown commercial (C1) zoning. As one member said, the city historically has required green common areas for similar developments.
Engineer and staff guidance: City engineering and building staff clarified the sketch plan lacked depiction of any common-area amenities on the drawing. City staff and the engineer told the board the planning commission could still approve the sketch plan, but that the lack of shown common amenities prompted the recommendation against approval.
Board action and next steps: After discussion, the board voted 4–2 to send the sketch plan back to the Planning & Development Commission and directed the developer to coordinate with the city engineer and building inspector to resubmit a plan that addresses common-area definitions and green-space requirements. The resubmission is expected to return to the board after Planning Commission review.
Developer quote: “Our green space is gonna be inside each unit in a courtyard... We can still squeeze in there depending on how much green space the city wants for common area,” said Dale Stinnett.
What this means: The board did not deny the project outright; it asked for clearer plans and coordination so the planning commission and the board can confirm compliance with zoning and green-space expectations before formal approval.
