Sulphur Springs Planning and Zoning Commission was asked to consider a request for an Oak Avenue zoning change.
Kris and Cason Childress proposed rezoning a 0.21-acre property at 618 Oak Avenue, at the Oak Avenue and Gilmer Street split, from multifamily to light commercial, to accommodate commercial development on the property. The applicants want to convert the home located on the property to an office, Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski told the Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 23, 2021.
The property in question is surrounded by a mix of zoning designations. To the east of the property is zoned multifamily, to the south heavy commercial and to the west a strip center zoned light commercial. Other homes converted to law offices are located north in a professional office designated area, a tire shop within a heavy industrial zone to the south, and vacant land zoned multifamily to the east.
“Given the context of the area, commercial is an appropriate use along the Oak Avenue corridor. It also fits in with the land use plan of commercial along Oak Avenue,” Niewiadomski noted.
The city sent out certified letters to surrounding property owners within 200 feet of the property. Four were returned and all were in favor of the zoning change, Niewiadomski reported. Based on those factors, Niewiadomski said, city staff recommended the granting the request for the Oak Avenue zoning change.
The Planning & Zoning Commission members present for the meeting agreed the with city staff and are recommending the request to change the zoning for 618 Oak Avenue from multifamily to light commercial be granted. The zoning change is expected to be presented to the City Council at their next meeting on Sept. 7, and if approved, would be presented again at the Oct. 5 council meeting for second reading and final approval.
