Council to Consider Reverting 1.1-Acre Watkins Road Lot After Deed Error

Council staff reviewed a council-driven rezoning request that would revert a 1.1-acre parcel on Watkins Road from Hamlet (mixed-use) back to Rural (RL) after the lot was included in a previous rezoning due to a deed description error.

Staff member Mike said the error was discovered after a survey and that Sarinb issued a quitclaim deed removing the company's interest. "Sarinb simply um gave them a quick claim deed. They they released all claim to the property because it wasn't something they had intended to buy in the first place," Mike said, and he added the claimant currently lacks clear title because the parcel passed through a tax sale. He told the council the Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted unanimously, 6–0, to recommend reverting the parcel to RL.

Council members asked about liability and city implications; staff said there were none identified and explained that if the new owner chooses to build without rezoning they would face applicable buffer and connection requirements. Council agreed to act as the applicant for a council-driven rezoning so the owner would not have to submit or pay for a private application while title issues are resolved.

The rezoning recommendation will return to council for formal consideration; Planning Commission's 6–0 recommendation and the title issues will be part of the record.