Staff flags long-standing fourplex rental rule for future review after applicant inquiry

Staff informed the commission that an owner of a fourplex at 1425 Main had inquired about the process for a conditional nonconforming-use permit required under the city’s R‑1 zoning regulations for properties that operate as multiunit rentals.

Staff (speaker 6) said the city’s code requires a conditional nonconforming use permit for rental apartments in R‑1 and noted the provision appears connected to units constructed or rented prior to a specified date. "This is specific to ones that were constructed or being rented prior to 09/16/1988," staff said, and added that staff could not find records showing prior conditional-use approvals for the cluster of fourplexes. Commissioners asked for background and suggested staff prepare a future agenda item to consider whether the current requirement discourages property improvements or creates unnecessary administrative burdens. Staff said they would bring more historical context or a recommended code change to a later meeting if commissioners want to explore the issue.