Council denies rezoning request, directs attorney to draft reason statement citing comprehensive plan

The council considered a rezone application to change three parcels from Residential B to Residential A2 after the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to deny the request. Tyrell, planning staff, summarized that the applicant sought a zone change for three parcels; community attendees spoke both for and against; the applicant was not present at the P&Z hearing.

City attorney Lyle Fuller cited Idaho Code 67-6511 and explained the governing board should analyze proposed zoning changes for conflict with the adopted comprehensive plan and that a reason statement would be appropriate when upholding a commission recommendation. Council Member Dodge moved to deny the rezoning and added direction that legal counsel draft a denial reason aligned with the comprehensive plan and city code. The motion, as amended and seconded, carried. Council members debated housing needs, infrastructure capacity, neighborhood character, and the fact that approximately 120 approved lots remain to be developed, which some members said reduces the immediate need for additional multi-family zoning.

No ordinance was adopted at the meeting; council recorded a motion to deny the application and directed staff and legal counsel to produce a written reason statement to be entered into the record.