Commission approves rezoning of Rocky Creek Estates lot to R‑1 for single-family home

The Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 21 approved the rezoning of Lot 1, Rocky Creek Estates Plat 2 (case 265-2025) from Planned Development (PD) to R‑1. Commissioners voted in favor of the staff recommendation to allow a single-family dwelling on the 0.96-acre parcel; the motion carried unanimously among voting members present.

Staff said the requested rezoning aligns with surrounding R‑1 zoning and the comprehensive plan’s neighborhood designation and noted the site’s PD designation dated from a 2009 plan that contemplated up to 3.5 dwelling units per acre. The previous planned-development approval included potential private driveway access from Forum Boulevard; staff advised that private access from a collector street can be permitted following director review and would not make the proposed R‑1 use nonconforming.

An agent for the applicant, Jay Gephardt of the Veil Group, told the commission the owners intend to build one single-family home and are not pursuing the earlier plan that showed three homes. Gephardt said an expired plan had anticipated three homes but the owners now want a single residence.

Staff also summarized infrastructure and service connections: the site currently has city water, will be served by city sewer though no on-site hookup exists yet, is served by Boone Electric and would receive emergency services from the Columbia Fire Department and Columbia Police Department. Staff concluded rezoning to R‑1 may reduce potential dwelling-unit yield compared with the earlier PD plan and recommended approval.

The commission approved the rezoning and will forward the recommendation to city council for final action.