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Planning Commission narrowly approves future land-use change for 300 Burrell Street
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 3–2 to recommend changing the Future Land Use Map for 300 Burrell Street from commercial to residential after debate about topography, retail viability and what the city would receive in return for significant variances.
The Planning Commission voted 3–2 to recommend approval of a Future Land Use Map amendment that would change about 5.36 acres at 300 Burrell Street from commercial to residential.
Commissioners who opposed the change argued the parcel had been designated for commercial use in the comp plan and said the city should demand clearer public benefits before allowing multiple variances. “I don't see any justification for why the city would be excited about, yeah, let's make that trade off,” a commissioner said during debate, urging caution given the number of requested deviations from standard zoning. Supporters countered that the site's steep slopes, floodplain constraints and a lack of visibility make traditional commercial development unrealistic and that residential units could increase foot traffic for nearby retailers.
Staff had presented the two-part request as linked items — the FLUM amendment followed by a Planned Unit Development rezoning — and emphasized the project's long review history dating to 2021. The commission voted on the FLUM change separately from the zoning ordinance; the motion to recommend the FLUM passed by a 3–2 tally. The developer will take the recommendation to the council for final action.
