Board hears first reading to move small downtown strip from C‑4 to C‑2 after roof work prompted code review

The board placed Bill 3666 on first reading to amend the zoning classification for property at 1014–1018 South Third Street, changing the parcel from Central Business District (C‑4) to General Commercial (C‑2).

Randall Whitman, planning and development director, told aldermen the property contains an existing retail/office strip with a chiropractor, a tattoo shop and a dispensary. Whitman said the zoning request responds to building modifications—roof changes that created a vertical wall intended to hold signage—that currently conflict with C‑4 sign and material rules. “The work permits were pulled for the roof,” he said, and “construction’s been stopped because the roof design, the materials don't comply with the C‑4 zoning.”

Alderman Autumn Hutchison asked whether the change would affect the existing businesses; Whitman said the businesses would not become nonconforming and that no immediate site improvements, stormwater changes or new parking requirements are proposed. He also said that the planning and zoning commission recommended approval at its April 28 meeting; one speaker at the commission had expressed concern about stormwater, Whitman said.

Aldermen voted to place the bill on first reading by title only (motion by Alderman Aiken, second by Alderman Acheson) and opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers. Because it was a first reading, the board did not adopt any rezoning at the meeting and the bill was held for a future meeting.

Whitman told aldermen that nonconforming situations like this are among several areas the city may address in future code amendments to clarify enforcement and process.