Resident asks how to seek rezoning of city-adjacent lot to commercial; council outlines process

A resident identified as Brandon, who gave an address on East Midlothian, asked Struthers City Council on June 25 whether a city-owned parcel that backs onto his property could be rezoned to commercial.

He said he and others want to bring development and new revenue to the neighborhood and asked for the proper channels and procedures. Council members outlined the standard process: contact the mayor’s office, the mayor’s board would make a recommendation, the proposal would come to council, and public hearings would follow with notice to nearby property owners. Council advised obtaining a survey showing the lot lines and explained that the city generally does not allow spot zoning — a single residential lot surrounded by residential parcels is unlikely to be rezoned in isolation.

Council noted that an alley or service strip separating properties can affect the ability to rezone; if adjacent commercial zoning directly abuts the lot, the rezoning likelihood increases. The councilmember advising the resident said the matter would require public hearings and the notification of affected neighbors; the resident was told to start with a survey and a petition if pursuing rezoning.

No formal petition or rezoning request was filed at the June 25 meeting; council provided procedural guidance only.