Box Elder planning commission recommends rezoning of Southgate Road parcel to Highway Service

The Box Elder Planning & Zoning Commission voted Aug. 26 to recommend that City Council rezone a vacant parcel at 128 Southgate Road (rezone number 24027128) from General Residential 4 to Highway Service.

Michelle Clavadach, the city planner, told the commission the applicant intends to consolidate the vacant lot with two adjacent lots already zoned Highway Service and that an application to vacate a private road dividing the parcels has been submitted. "The applicant here is requesting to rezone from General Residential 4 to Highway Service," Clavadach said, noting the site fronts a high-traffic corridor that funnels commercial traffic onto Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Resident Patrice Sorensen, who lives on Morningside Drive behind the property, urged caution and questioned the effect on the neighborhood. "Highway Service is your first step towards turning it commercial," she said, adding that the area includes many children who use a nearby bus stop. Property owner Randy Welch (RLW Properties) told the commission the lot has been vacant for years and that he has no immediate building plans. "We have no plans, you know, for any building or anything at this point," Welch said.

Staff recommended approval under Box Elder Municipal Code section 44-614(d), saying the proposed amendment is consistent with adopted zoning goals and long-range plans and noting the current comprehensive plan and park master plan changes. Clavadach also reported no objections from adjacent property owners in staff outreach.

After discussion, the commission closed the public hearing and approved a motion to forward the rezoning recommendation to City Council. The item will next be considered by the City Council for final action.