Two county zone-change hearings continued to Aug. 8 after split recommendations

Two separate county zone-change public hearings — for 705 Johnson Lane (zone change 717) and for properties on Woodland Road and 2422 Old Hardin Road (zone change 718) — were continued to Aug. 8 at the request of applicants and in response to split recommendations from the Zoning Commission.

At the first hearing, county planning staff noted the Zoning Commission forwarded no recommendation on a 2–2 split for zone change 717. John Halverson, a planner with Sanderson Stewart and agent of the applicant, asked the board to postpone the hearing until Commissioner Osland could attend so the full commission could hear the application. The board voted to continue the public hearing to Aug. 8 and directed that additional public comments and submitted letters be accepted and forwarded to the office.

For zone change 718, staff said the Zoning Commission recommended denial by a 3–1 vote while staff's previous recommendation to the Zoning Commission had been approval. Greg Reed of WWC Engineering, agent for the applicant, said tenants had difficulty attending earlier hearings and sought an extension; he later withdrew part of the extension request because some tenants were present. County counsel and staff explained options when the Zoning Commission and staff recommendations differ and that tabling to allow the absent commissioner to hear testimony is an option. The board agreed to extend or table zone change 718 to Aug. 8 so the full board can consider testimony and recommendations.

The board noted that recordings and written comments are available and that the public hearing records will remain open until the continued dates. No final board decisions were issued for these two items on July 25; the matters are scheduled for the full commission on Aug. 8.