Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Polk commissioners approve subdistrict change for Stewart property after contested hearing
Summary
After a lengthy, contested public hearing, the board voted to approve changing a portion of the Stewart property subdistrict from RL1 to RL4 (smaller single-family lot sizes). Residents raised traffic and compatibility concerns; the board and staff said the change permits smaller lots but not multifamily development without a future land-use change; one commissioner registered a recorded nay during the vote.
The board held a full public hearing on a request to change a portion of the Stewart property subdistrict from RL1 to RL4 on approximately 178 acres in the urban growth area. Ben Ziskel, Land Development Director, explained that the comprehensive-plan designation defaults to residential low (RL) and that a subdistrict change is used to set minimum lot sizes and development standards; RL4 permits smaller lots (minimum 6,000 square feet) and up to five units per acre under current code.
Residents and neighbors spoke in opposition, citing traffic congestion on Thornhill Road, concerns about compatibility with existing nearby one-acre lots, and the potential for the change to be used as a stepping stone to higher-density requests. Mike Harrison (resident) asked whether two‑story homes or multifamily structures would be allowed; staff and commissioners clarified that RL4 allows single-family homes (including two stories) and that multifamily or townhome development would require a subsequent land-use change and public review. Shelton Rice, attorney for the applicant, described surrounding approvals and infrastructure investments and argued the request is consistent with nearby development patterns.
Commissioners debated compatibility, future entitlements, and the potential for incremental future requests; some expressed caution about "letting it grow legs" to higher densities, while staff said deviations beyond RL4 would require separate public hearings or rezoning actions. The board approved the subdistrict change on a roll call/voice sequence; the transcript recorded one recorded opposition ("Nay") before the chair announced the motion carried.
