Planning Commission approves rezoning of 1223 Wildcat Rd to A-3

The Clinton County Planning Commission voted 6-1 on April 9 to recommend rezoning 1223 Wildcat Road (Parcel ID 030015-200-010-01) from Single-Family Residential (R-1) to Residential Transition (A-3).

Lynn Wilson, interim planning and zoning director, told commissioners the county's Future Land Use Map designates the property as Agricultural Transition/Mixed Use and that rezoning requests must be justified against the Comprehensive Plan and ordinance criteria. Applicant Joseph Goodman said the parcel is transitional in character, smaller than the A-2 minimum, and that surrounding property owners support his request. Goodman described the request as an extension of present uses on the site.

Commissioners debated whether the change would open the parcel to all allowable A-3 uses and whether it would set a precedent. Chair Margaret Sayles said the commission found the proposal “generally consistent” with the adopted Comprehensive Plan, citing goals two and three, and read required findings of fact into the record. Legal counsel Laura Genovich emphasized the importance of a detailed record for any recommendation forwarded to the Board of Commissioners.

The motion to approve the rezoning (PC-04-26 / OR-201-26) passed by roll call vote: Rebecca Batterbee — Yes; Kim Wieber — Yes; Jan Motz — Yes; Dawn Levey — Yes; Zach Rudat — Yes; Brian Byars — No; Margaret Sayles — Yes. Sayles noted that once rezoned, future owners would be able to pursue any uses permitted in A-3 zoning unless and until another rezoning is requested.

The commission will forward its findings and recommendation to the Clinton County Board of Commissioners for final action.