Commission advances Cordy rezoning to unfinished business amid spot‑zoning and utility concerns

Franklin County planners and applicants presented a rezoning request on Jan. 20 that the commission moved to unfinished business for further review.

Staff outlined file 250262: Doug and Francine Cordy seek to rezone two parcels in Villa Ridge (Lot 7 and Lot 8, Whitsett and Mertens addition) from O zoning to B zoning to permit a micro self‑storage facility consisting of 24 units (each about 10 by 20 feet) totaling roughly 4,800 square feet. Staff noted the parcels are approximately 0.33 acres and that prior rezoning requests for the property were denied in 2006 and 2008.

Attorney Michael Yenzer, representing the applicants, said the lot shape (50 by 300 feet) and lack of public utilities limit conventional residential development and that the county’s future‑use map indicates commercial use for the parcel. Commissioners raised concerns about possible spot zoning, the presence of a recorded platted alley between the two lots (which would require a vacation), and whether central water and sewer are available for any future development or lot consolidation.

Yenzer told the commission his team had gathered signatures from adjoining property owners consenting to vacate the alley and acknowledged additional steps would be required (lot combination or separate building footprints) to meet building‑department requirements. Commissioner 14 moved the file to unfinished business; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Next steps: the applicants must resolve alley vacation and lot‑assembly options, confirm utility access or development plans, and return the rezoning request for further action.