Richland hearing examiner takes public comment on Bermuda Road rezone; neighbor cites height, dust concerns
April 13, 2026 | Richland , Benton County, Washington
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Hearing Examiner Gary McLean on Wednesday presided over a public hearing on an application to rezone a parcel along Bermuda Road in the City of Richland (file PLNT3A-twenty20). Senior planner Ryan Nelson told the hearing the applicant seeks to change the parcel (134982010595008) from agricultural to R2S for a northern portion and CLB for the southern portion to match the Badger Mound South land‑use designation and a 2024 comp‑plan amendment adopted under Ordinance 2024‑07.
The proposal drew one on‑site public speaker, Brian Reep of Westcliff Heights, who said nearby residents are closely watching development across from Peachtree Estates and urged clarity about design and construction controls. "Managing dust and trash, I have many carloads of trash I've hauled," Reep said, asking what the community should expect for building heights, views and operations during construction.
The applicant representative, Rick Simon, said the current concept envisions townhomes in the area proposed for R2S zoning and condominiums with a community clubhouse in the CLB portion. "We look forward to sharing those [plans] with Mr. Reep and other members of the homeowners association," Simon said, and pledged the project team would address neighborhood concerns about dust and garbage during construction.
Staff and the examiner clarified that a rezone does not authorize construction; future submittals would be required if the rezoning is approved. Nelson told the hearing that the maximum building height in the CLB zone is 55 feet (about four stories) and that the R2S limit is 30 feet. Simon said the applicant had "no intention to seek a variance on height."
McLean said he would take the record under advisement and prepare a recommendation to the city council. No formal vote or council action occurred at the hearing; the rezone will proceed through the city’s review and decision process.
Background: Staff noted environmental comments that would need to be addressed during project development and said the rezoning request is consistent with the city’s recently updated land‑use map. The applicant said specific engineering and plat materials will be prepared by Knutson Engineering and submitted for public and city review when available.
The proposal drew one on‑site public speaker, Brian Reep of Westcliff Heights, who said nearby residents are closely watching development across from Peachtree Estates and urged clarity about design and construction controls. "Managing dust and trash, I have many carloads of trash I've hauled," Reep said, asking what the community should expect for building heights, views and operations during construction.
The applicant representative, Rick Simon, said the current concept envisions townhomes in the area proposed for R2S zoning and condominiums with a community clubhouse in the CLB portion. "We look forward to sharing those [plans] with Mr. Reep and other members of the homeowners association," Simon said, and pledged the project team would address neighborhood concerns about dust and garbage during construction.
Staff and the examiner clarified that a rezone does not authorize construction; future submittals would be required if the rezoning is approved. Nelson told the hearing that the maximum building height in the CLB zone is 55 feet (about four stories) and that the R2S limit is 30 feet. Simon said the applicant had "no intention to seek a variance on height."
McLean said he would take the record under advisement and prepare a recommendation to the city council. No formal vote or council action occurred at the hearing; the rezone will proceed through the city’s review and decision process.
Background: Staff noted environmental comments that would need to be addressed during project development and said the rezoning request is consistent with the city’s recently updated land‑use map. The applicant said specific engineering and plat materials will be prepared by Knutson Engineering and submitted for public and city review when available.
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