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Neighbors press commission to preserve Johnson Creek natural resources; rezoning decision continued
Summary
A contested rezoning request for a portion of Tax Lot 201 (Ocean Terrace) prompted extensive public comment asserting wetland and bluff hazards; the commission closed public testimony and continued deliberation to May 22 to allow the city attorney to review whether the natural-resource zoning was ever legally established.
The Planning Commission heard hours of testimony on a request to rezone part of Tax Lot 201 from Natural Resources to Residential R‑1, a proposal that residents said would put Johnson Creek and its adjoining bluff at risk. Staff told the commission the parcel’s zoning history is unclear: older zoning maps and ordinances show inconsistent lines and staff were unable to find documentary proof that the NR designation was legally established for the southern portion of the parcel.
Russ Dodge, who identified himself as a representative for the landowner, told the commission he could not find documentation either and asked the city to “place the NR line down to its original location” or otherwise correct what he called a mapping error. Many residents urged the opposite: they told the commission the NR boundary lines are deliberate protections for Johnson Creek’s riparian habitat and bluff areas and cited state rules on riparian buffers and landslide/erosion criteria. “This is an environmental decision,” one commenter said, urging the commission to deny the rezoning.
Speakers described Johnson Creek Greenway as wet prairie and habitat for many species, and urged geotechnical and hydrologic analysis. Staff confirmed the area includes mapping showing high landslide susceptibility and explained that properties in such areas would typically require geologic assessment review if developed. Several residents said they had relied on the NR designation when buying nearby property and objected to perceived notice or platting changes.
Because the record did not include clear legal evidence showing the NR designation was formally established, staff recommended the commission close the hearing and continue deliberation to the May 22 meeting so the city attorney can provide an opinion on the legal status of the NR boundary. The commission voted to close the hearing, continue deliberations, and request the city attorney’s input. No final rezoning decision was taken at this meeting.
