Let’s talk zoning

Grand Junction City Planning Commission meets about potential rezone

sydnee flotron-oddities editor

Commissioner Keith Ehlers stepped in to host the Grand Junction City Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 13 in the absence of Chair, Andrew Teske, and Vice-Chair, Christian Reece. During the regular 5:30 p.m. meeting, the Planning Commission considered a request by Senergy Builders, LLC to rezone 21.53 acres from a light industrial zone to a residential zone district. The rezone in question is located at the northern 21.53 acres of 853 21 ½ Road. 

The Planning Commission handles any planning and zoning related issues in the city, and advises City Council on matters involving these areas. Rezoning a plot of land means to change the intention of what that land will be used for. For example, the most common “zones” in a city are residential and commercial zones. Areas zoned out for residential are meant for neighborhoods and housing, Areas zoned out for commercial are meant for business. Sometimes, it’s necessary to rezone these predetermined zones when plans change, which would be the case for Senergy Builders, LLC. 

Lance Gloss, a Senior Planner for the City, was the presenter for the motion during the commission meeting. After explaining the pros and cons for the proposed rezone, he explained five key criteria that help decide rezoning needs. 

1. Subsequent events have invalidated the original premises and findings
2. The character and/or condition of the area has changed such that the amendment is consistent with the plan
3. Public and community facilities are adequate to serve the type and scope of land use proposed
4. An inadequate supply of suitably designated land is available in the community, as defined by the presiding body, to accommodate the proposed land
5. The community or area, as defined by the presiding body, will derive benefits from the proposed amendment. 

Gloss explained that the rezone land met criteria one, three, and four, so staff recommended the rezone be granted since the majority of the five criteria were met. While Senergy Builders does plan to turn this into a residential zone, it will be a gradual event. 

“This land will be a relatively flexible residential zone district. At 3-5 dwelling units/acre density, we aren’t proposing multi-family housing quite yet,” Gloss said. 

After hearing a presentation of legal statements from Tracy States of River City Consultants, the planning commission members opened up the floor to the public, and no further statements were made. George Gatseos, one of the planning commission members, seemed on board for the rezone. 

“Honestly, number five could even be met depending how you look at it. I am pleased to hear the applicant’s response that no multi-family dwellings would be here and it will initially be more R-4 zones,” Gatseos said.

After the final vote, the motion to rezone the proposed land passed unanimously among the Grand Junction City Planning Commission.