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June Planning and Zoning
Wednesday, Jun 3, 2026
Commission Approves Multiple Rezoning and Zoning Assignment Requests, Including Dobs Creek with R1 Recommendation
The commission approved a rezoning of 221 Clark Street from R2 to C1 for conditional use. The applicant, Serena Bazan, requested to use the property for storage of equipment for her pickle business. The staff recommended approval with conditions: allowing an accessory building on a vacant lot, no commercial equipment (like food trucks) stored on site, and no foot traffic. This was seen as a compromise for a property located in a residential area. The commission voted to approve the rezoning [cite: 87-128, 175-180]. The commission also approved a rezoning for 1218 River Street from R2 to HI (heavy industrial). The majority of the parcel is already zoned HI, and this rezoning corrects a small portion at the bottom left corner to match the existing zoning. Richardson Engineering represented the applicant, Chad Slaughter. The commission voted to approve [cite: 181-223]. Additionally, the commission approved a zoning assignment for the Dobs Creek property from R2 (single-family district) to R2 with a 7,000 sq ft minimum lot requirement. This property was annexed in May 2026. The project was reduced from 320 to 255 lots. Key changes include removing driveway access to Mountain View Road and establishing access to a service road. There was significant public comment expressing concerns about increased traffic, the impact on existing infrastructure, and the trend towards smaller lots. Despite public concerns, the commission voted to recommend R1 zoning (11,500 sq ft minimum lot size), which then moves to city council for final approval [cite: 224-798]. Finally, the commission approved a zoning assignment for the Scott Salem Road property from R2 to R2 with average lot sizes over 10,000 sq ft, proposing six single-family residential homes. This is adjacent to a neighborhood with smaller lots. The applicant, Hope Consulting, clarified that the request is for R2 with a minimum 7,000 sq ft lot size, not R4 as initially misconstrued by a resident, and that duplexes/quadplexes are not permitted. The commission voted to approve [cite: 799-869].
Variances for Setback and Sign Size Fail to Gain Traction Due to Lack of Motions
The commission considered a variance for a property at 513 All Good Street for a North Side Side Setback. The existing home, built in 2024, has a setback of 2.81 ft from the rear side and 4.28 ft from the front side, which is less than the required 5 ft minimum. The applicant, Erica York, requested a variance to make the building compliant with current code. DRC and utilities approved the request. However, the item failed due to a lack of motion [cite: 37-58, 64]. The commission also considered a variance for sign size at 1024 Military Road for Tobacco Town, requesting approval for a mural on the building's side. City ordinance states signs cannot be larger than 10% of the wall size. Requirements were met, and utilities approved. This item also failed due to a lack of motion [cite: 65-74, 83-84].
Commission Approves Site Plan for Flex Space, Final Plat, and Signage, Denies Two Items Due to Lack of Motion or Representation
The commission approved a site plan for a 14-unit multi-tenant flex space building at 716 Alcoa Road, zoned C2 (general commercial). The space is intended for businesses such as a lab for dentures. The project meets all city requirements and utilities have approved. The commission voted to approve [cite: 882-919]. The commission also approved a final plat for Winchester Way, with lots currently zoned R2, previously rezoned from C3 in 2025. Attached housing fees have been paid, and all requirements are met. The commission voted to approve [cite: 919-945]. Approval was also granted for a sign at 1220 Military Road for Capitol Barber College. The sign is temporary while a permanent one is made. It meets the 10% wall size rule. The commission voted to approve [cite: 945-995]. However, a request for a sign at 2041 I-30 South for Mitten Law Firm was not approved due to lack of representation and motion. The painted wall sign met the 10% rule, but the item failed [cite: 996-1019]. Another request for a mural at 1024 Military Road for Tobacco Town was also not approved due to lack of motion. While the design was subject to review, it did not meet the 10% wall size rule, preventing a permit issuance even if approved by the commission [cite: 1020-1048].
Commission Approves New Housing Type Definitions and Initiates Discussion on Subdivision Regulations
The commission discussed and approved a code amendment to add definitions for various housing types, including modular homes, tiny homes, tiny homes on wheels (classified as RVs), tiny home communities, and truck stop plazas. The intent is to prepare for emerging housing trends and ensure clarity in zoning regulations. The definitions were approved for presentation to the city council in July. The commission also initiated a discussion on redefining major versus minor subdivisions, with plans to bring a code amendment forward in August [cite: 1049-1177, 1196-1212].
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