853 7th Street rezone (91 small-lot homes)

Every hearing and vote

1. September 16, 2025 · City Council

   Ordinance 2025-29: rezone 853 7th Street from R-1-6 to R-2S/CO

   Approved · 5-2

   Pat Burns petitioned to rezone 12.02 acres for 91 detached single-family homes on small lots, platted for individual ownership with common area. The developer offered a development agreement and a 10-year owner-occupancy deed restriction; staff said an agreement would put a time limit on the zoning, after which it would revert. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5-2 on June 4; the two dissenting commissioners said the density cost was too great and green space should be preserved. Burns said he does not own the land: he has a contract for half of it at $2.3 million, is negotiating for the rest, and will pipe the canal on the east side of the site but not the west. Staff said further steps include studies (borings and trenching for drainage), site plan, group dwelling, subdivision and development agreement review, and a possible access easement from Monroe Boulevard. Nine residents spoke against, citing steep topography and neighborhood impacts, and asked the city to buy the land as a park. Council Members Dave Graf, Shaun Myers, Bart Blair, Angela Choberka and Vice Chair Richard Hyer voted yes, citing that the project cannot proceed if studies are unfavorable and that small-lot homes would be attainable for younger residents. Richey said there are too many hurdles; Chair White said she wanted access issues resolved before zoning and was hesitant to commit staff time to a project with many unknowns. Mayor Nadolski said the land has always been zoned residential and the decision only changes the type of housing.

   • Applicant: Pat Burns
   • Acres: 12.02
   • Units: 91 detached single-family homes
   • Current zone → proposed: R-1-6 → R-2S/CO (Two-Family and Small Lot Residential, Conditional Overlay)
   • Planning Commission: recommended approval 5-2, June 4, 2025
   • Developer's contract to buy half the land: $2.3 million

   Moved by Council Member Richard A. Hyer, seconded by Council Member Shaun Myers. Vote: 5-2; Council Member Ken Richey and Council Member Marcia L. White voted no

2. August 26, 2025 · City Council

   Proposed rezone of 853 7th Street from R-1-6 to R-2S/CO

   Discussed

   Pat Burns petitioned to rezone 12.02 acres from R-1-6 (single-family) to R-2S/CO (two-family and small lot residential, with a conditional overlay) for 91 detached single-family homes on individual lots surrounded by common area. The developer offered a development agreement and a 10-year deed restriction requiring individual ownership. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5-2 on June 4, 2025. Council discussion covered comparable subdivisions, road and driveway widths and fire access, affordability, work remaining to address site concerns and the objections of the two dissenting commissioners. Action is scheduled for Sept. 16; the council agreed to add a further work session discussion.

   • Applicant: Pat Burns
   • Acres: 12.02
   • Current zone → proposed: R-1-6 → R-2S/CO
   • Units: 91 detached single-family homes
   • Planning Commission: recommended approval 5-2, June 4, 2025