Commission debates 'commercial-residential' zone and use-limiting development agreements

Commissioners considered two tools to enable higher-density residential development near commercial corridors without exposing neighborhoods to unwanted commercial uses: create a 'commercial-residential' zoning designation that allows residential above certain densities, or rely on development agreements that lock permitted uses at the time of a legislative zone change.

Andrew (staff) described how a commercial-residential zone could permit residential densities above fourplexes but restrict typical highway-commercial uses; alternately, a development agreement tied to a zone change would let the county approve a parcel-specific restriction (for example, permitting a tire shop but prohibiting a supermarket). "If somebody's wanting to put a tire store on this corner and you think a tire store is appropriate, but a supermarket isn't appropriate, then you can have a development agreement on a property," Andrew said. Commissioners sought guidance about long-term administrative complexity versus case-by-case certainty and asked staff to draft options the consultant can analyze.