Raymore council approves first reading to rezone 1012 S. Madison to rural estate

Raymore — The Raymore City Council on Monday approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone the property at 1012 South Madison from R-1 (single-family residential) to R-E (rural estate), a move staff said would allow the owner to construct a larger accessory/shop building than current R-1 rules permit.

"The item before you all this evening is a requested rezoning application for the property at 1012 South Madison Street," said David Gress, Development Services staff, summarizing staff findings and the applicant's request. Gress told the council the property is legally Dutchman Acres Lot 63, is "4 plus acres," was annexed in 1990, and contains a sewer line through the site.

Gress said staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, noting the property's rural character and development patterns align more closely with the R-E district. "In your packet is the proposed findings of fact. Staff does recommend the approval of the application," he said.

Applicant Chris Oakes attended the meeting but did not address the council during the public hearing; no members of the public spoke during the open hearing. Following the staff report and the closed public hearing, Council member Sonya Abdelghawad moved to approve the first reading of the bill, Council member Jay Holman seconded, and Mayor Turnbull announced the motion carried unanimously, "Motion carries unanimously 8 0." The action recorded the vote as 8-0.

Because the item was approved on first reading, the ordinance will return for subsequent reading(s) per the city's normal process before becoming final.

The staff report noted alternatives the applicant had considered, including a variance, but concluded rezoning best matched the property's size, setbacks and surrounding land uses. No conditions or public objections were recorded in the meeting minutes for the public hearing.

The council packet and staff report identify the property and the proposed zoning standards; staff said they will provide supporting documents and findings as part of the formal ordinance process.