Parowan planning commission tables rezoning request for 825 West 100 South after public hearing

The Parowan Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 4 opened a public hearing on a request to change the zone of the parcel at 825 West 100 South (the PCP Trust) from A1 to R3, heard multiple residents raise questions about access, density and road connections, and then voted to table the proposal until the developer or owner clarifies whether they intend a full rezoning or a minor-lot subdivision to preserve a narrow orchard strip.

Unidentified Staff explained the procedural concern that prompted the commission’s hesitation: the request as posted would rezone only part of a single parcel. "We were uncomfortable with a zone change of a single parcel that had two different zones mixed on that parcel," staff said during the pre-hearing discussion, noting the commission generally prefers either a full-parcel rezoning or a prior minor-lot subdivision to split the parcel before rezoning.

During the public hearing, resident Austin Levitt asked for a zoning map so neighbors could see exact R3 boundaries; staff displayed the zoning map and re-identified the parcel and adjacent zones. Unidentified Staff also clarified what R3 permits: "R3 will allow for 6,000 square foot lots for single family homes," and explained how the city's future land-use map contains a patchwork of densities in the area.

Lawrence Steiner, another resident of Aston Cove, raised questions about ingress and egress and whether multifamily housing could be allowed under R3. Staff replied that under current code single-family homes on 6,000-square-foot lots are permitted in R3; duplexes and "twin homes" require larger lots (about 10,000 square feet), and multiunit development must meet per-unit land-area requirements. Steiner also said he had heard rumors the development might include lower-cost or "low-income" housing; staff did not confirm that and discussion of specific development plans was deferred to a future subdivision or building application.

Tess asked whether 100 North could be blocked from being extended through the parcel. Staff responded that 100 North is shown on the city master plan as a future connection and that new road construction is normally performed by the developer when a subdivision is permitted.

After public comments, commissioners and staff reiterated that the procedure of rezoning only a portion of one parcel has been administratively problematic in the past, and that the commission would prefer the owner or developer to indicate whether they will pursue a minor-lot subdivision to carve off the orchard strip or request a full-parcel rezoning. An unidentified commissioner moved to table the item until the next meeting or until the developers respond; the motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor to table the zone-change consideration.

The commission also completed routine business (approval of prior minutes) and adjourned. The rezoning request for 825 West 100 South remains pending until the applicant clarifies whether the parcel will be split or rezoned in full.