HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFD - 24-00125 - Sorensen Project - 52 N 3rd W - Comp Plan Map change fr IR & C to HR(208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org
Reason for Decision
24-00125 – Sorensen Project – 52 N 3rd W – Comprehensive Plan Map
change from IR and C to HR
1. February 21, 2024, An application was received from Cory Sorensen to change the
Comprehensive Plan Map from Intermediate Residential and Commercial to High
Residential for five parcels.
2. February 21, 2024, Payment was received for the application.
3. February 21, 2024, Staff reviews were assigned.
4. March 5, 2024, Staff reviews were approved.
5. March 6, 2024, Staff Report was completed.
6. March 12, 2024, Notice was sent to the newspaper to be published March 19, 2024 and
March 26, 2024.
7. March 14, 2024, Notice was mailed to surrounding property owners.
8. March 26, 2024, Notice was posted on the property.
9. April 4, 2024, the application was presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Public Hearing – (24-00125) Sorensen Project– Comprehensive Plan Map change from
Intermediate Residen�al & Commercial/Mixed Use to High Residen�al – Located at
approximately 52 N 3rd W, the applica�on is to change the Comprehensive Plan Map for 2.16
acres from Intermediate Residen�al & Commercial/Mixed Use to High Residen�al. – Cory
Sorensen (Ac�on)
Presentation:
The applicant, Cory Sorensen, began by sharing that one of the parcels was recently
purchased and it was zoned LDR2, requiring the Comprehensive Plan to be updated to
ask for a rezone. He mentioned that with Mixed Use now requiring at least 10%
commercial or residential, and after talking to adjacent landowners, it was determined
that having the commercial aspect would add more traffic to the area. He indicated that
the high density residential would serve as a buffer between the commercial and
residential zones. Cory stated that he reached out to the neighbors and Seth Bloomfield
asked that his rental property be included in the land action. He summarized that
changing the Comprehensive Plan would allow all the parcels to be zoned the same.
Rob asked if the property had been purchased from Seth Bloomfield. Cory responded
no, explaining that Mr. Bloomfield had signed an affidavit. Alan clarified that Mr.
(208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org
Bloomfield had joined in on the application. McKay asked if all 5 parcels made up the
2.16 acres. Cory confirmed. The group discussed notification to the neighbors.
Sally asked Alan for Staff comments. Alan discussed why the Comprehensive Plan
needs amended and indicated that the City is able to provide services including sewer,
water and roads. Vince inquired about the current density allowed in High Residential.
Alan responded MU and HDR1 are both 30 units per acre. The density is not changing,
but by removing the commercial element, the traffic and noise will be reduced.
Sally asked if High Density would allow student housing. Alan responded that dormitory
style housing would require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Vince asked about
setbacks and height limits. Alan indicated that the setbacks would be increased and that
parking would need to be buffered. Rob indicated that part of the property would be
moving from Low Residential to High Residential, not just from Commercial. Alan
confirmed a small portion of the area would be increasing the density.
Chairperson Smith opened the public input portion of the hearing at 6:57 pm.
Favor: none
Neutral: none
Opposed: none
Written Correspondence: none
Rebuttal: none
Chairperson Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing at 6:58 pm.
Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Conversation: Chairperson Smith asked the
Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this
meeting relative to this particular subject.
Commissioner Discussion:
Rob brought up that by changing the comprehensive plan, a strange island on the
corner is created. Sally indicated that those lots have different owners. Aaron
appreciated that the applicant reached out to the owners and he predicts that eventually
the other owners will want to do something with those lots, as the nice rectangle shape
would make a nice re-development property.
Vince remarked he had never seen anything developed on that property for as long as
he could remember. There are great homes in the neighborhood but in an area that is
being redeveloped. There are opportunities to increase the tax base. The development
will be an advantage to the city rather than letting it sit as dirt. Aaron touched on the
redeveloped intersection to the east being more accommodating of multifamily housing.
Vince discussed the area not being desirable for single family housing due to its
proximity to the railroad and commercial. Sally asked about access on Main Street, and
Alan discussed the possibility of a traffic impact study being required for the project.
MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the Comprehensive Plan
map change from Intermediate Residential and Commercial/Mixed Use to High
(208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org
Residential on the proposed properties, citing all discussion of commercial and
the inability to make sense of commercial on this land, where the densities are not
changing, and potentially reducing traffic by removing the commercial aspect.
Action: Approve, Moved by McKay Francis, Seconded by Vanessa Johnson.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 8, No= 0, Abstain = 0).
Yes: Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Vanessa
Johnson, Rob Woodall, Aaron Richards, Vince Haley (Vice Chair)
No:
Abstain:
10. April 17, 2024, the application was presented to the City Council.
Planning & Zoning recommendation to approve the Comprehensive Plan Map
amendment from Intermediate Residential and Commercial/Mixed Use to High
Residential at 52 N 3rd W #24-00125. Designated as Resolution No 2024 – 05 if
motion passes - Alan Parkinson
P&Z Planner Baldwin reviewed the staff report for the Comprehensive Plan Map amendment from
Intermediate Residential and Commercial/Mixed Use to High Residential at 52 N 3rd W. The main
section of the property has been vacant for a long time.
(208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org
Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve Resolution No 2024 – 05 the
Comprehensive Plan Map amendment from Intermediate Residential and Commercial/Mixed
Use to High Residential at 52 N 3rd; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor
Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Johnson none
Council Member Chambers
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member E. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.