On June 9, the Pagosa Springs Planning Commission approved an application to rezone a block between 6th Street and 7th Street.
The rezone will change five lots, within block 40, from Town Residential – Medium Density (R-12) to Mixed Use Residential (MU-R), allowing higher density and “more flexibility for allowable uses on their properties,” according to Senior Planner Katelyn Tunnel.
The rezone will also make the block “more consistent with the existing zoning pattern” of that area, Tunnel explained.
“There is no evidence that the change would have any adverse effects on the surrounding area,” she said, adding that all of the property owners within the block have signed a document in approval of the zoning change.
The applicant for the rezone would possibly like to run a bed and breakfast on their property in the future, which would need to go through the conditional use permit process, she explained.
The R-12 zone district is defined in the code as a medium-density district, intended primarily for single-family residences, duplexes and patio homes.
The R-12 district is intended for locations closer to commercial centers and near downtown, and may serve as a transition between higher-density residential areas and lower-density, single-family neighborhoods, the code states.
It adds the R-12 district should have pedestrian-oriented, connected local streets and sidewalks, as well as accessibility to parks, open space, schools and other civic activities, with the maximum density of 12 units per acre.
The MU-R zone district is defined in the code as a district intended to allow for the vertical or horizontal mixing of uses, including some higher-density residential.
The MU-R district should promote self-supporting neighborhoods that contain housing predominantly, but could also include some retail, offices and light trade, the code states.
Tunnel explained that the town’s planning staff recommended the approval of the rezone application without any conditions attached.
The application materials specifically reference the historic use of Jason and Wendy Dockter’s house within that block, noting that the structure has previously operated as a boarding house, restaurant, and bed and breakfast, she explained.
The applicant has indicated that the requested zoning would allow for the future operation of a bed and breakfast on the property, she said.
When opened to questions, planning commissioner Julie Gurule asked about parking for a potential bed and breakfast, with Tunnel explaining that there would be plenty of parking in San Juan Alley available for guests.
Commissioner Chad Hodges sought to make sure that the surrounding property owners were on board with the rezone, to which Tunnel affirmed, “Yes, they are.”
Commissioner Chris Pitcher noted that the fact that the surrounding owners are on board “makes our decision here a lot easier.”
“I don’t have any problems with this application,” he said.
Gurule asked if the rezone would trigger the alleyway needing to be paved, with Tunnel noting it would not need to be paved.
When a motion was made to approve the application to rezone the block, it was supported by all three commissioners present — Gurule, Hodges and Pitcher.
Commissioner Brian Reid was absent.
derek@pagosasun.com
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