Council approves rezoning to allow temporary mobile home on Ray Drive after debate over spot zoning and waivers

The council voted to rezone a parcel on Ray Drive (case 26‑48, parcel 0265124) from R‑2 to R‑1.5 so the property owner can place a temporary mobile home on the lot for a family member while they get back on their feet. Planning staff said the application seeks a temporary placement and noted the area already contains a substantial number of legally nonconforming mobile homes.

Planning staff described the request as seeking a second address temporarily, not a permanent accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The staff explanation noted ADU rules had been tightened (e.g., a smaller maximum square footage) so most mobile homes would not qualify as an ADU; instead the application relies on a temporary second address provision for family members. Several commissioners called this a legacy or “mixed‑use” area, and one commissioner warned the rezoning could be perceived as spot zoning if the parcel is rezoned alone in a larger R‑2 zone.

After discussion the council approved the rezoning. Recorded votes show seven yes and two no votes. Planning staff emphasized that subsequent planning and permitting steps would govern any placement and that any second‑address approvals would be temporary and tied to the continued presence of the family member.