Neighbor urges denial of continuance for Stonewall‑area rezoning, cites alleged ongoing violations

Jane Schafer, an adjacent property owner, addressed the Zoning Commission during public comment on April 22 about a rezoning/continuance request connected to Stonewall Avenue (item referenced by staff as withdrawn or under review). Schafer said the parcel was cleared after the owner's November 2022 purchase, oversized trucks were stored on the lot, corrugated fencing was installed and a UDC citation issued in December 2024 remains unresolved.

Schafer told the commission the property now seeks retroactive approval and asked the body to deny a continuance because, she said, "approving this request would reward ongoing noncompliance and set a damaging precedent." She argued that continuing the item would prolong impacts on neighboring property owners and delay enforcement.

Staff confirmed there is an outstanding UDC case and explained the difference between a continuance for additional review and the ability of code enforcement to pursue outstanding violations. Commissioners questioned whether a continuance could confer rights on an applicant to the nonconforming use; staff replied that a continuance alone would not create legal rights and that the commission could safely continue a matter while staff completes a full presentation.

Chair John Bustamante thanked Schafer for her testimony; the commission later moved item continuances on related dockets but preserved the record for enforcement action and for staff follow‑up.