Zoning changed for mobile home districts
McMinnville Regional Planning Commission members held what could be their last meeting at the Blue Building on Monday. Next month’s meeting is scheduled to take place at 101 East Main Street.
Commission members took a look at the revised R-4 residential mobile home district, presented to them by Planning and Zoning’s city planner David Baird. Changes to the district include allowing multi-family dwellings and apartments.
Unlike other districts, which allow several uses, R-4 district only allows mobile homes and single-family dwellings. Because of this, landowners in an R-4 district are strictly limited in what can be placed or built.
Todd Hutchins, who owns land on Red Road, wants the change. After purchasing land in a R-4 district with intentions to remove the dilapidated house and build a duplex, he was told he could not.
‘To me, it looks like building a duplex would be better solution than putting a mobile home back on it,’ said Hutchins. ‘I’m asking that the rules be changed and make it so I can built a multi-family dwelling.’
While considering the proposed change, the Planning Commission was asked to consider allowing a business in a different R4 district.
Joey Tanner, who lives on Crane Street, wants to open a frame work shop at his home. After getting the go-ahead from his neighbors, he presented a signed statement from them to the commission.
However, commercial businesses are not allowed in residential areas. For this reason, Planning and Zoning director Jim Brock spoke against allowing the request.
‘I would be hesitant to put any kind of business like this in a residential district,’ he said. Although the city does allow home-based businesses, this business would not qualify as one of those.
‘No matter what it is, it always causes us problems. I would go with the multi-family dwelling, but we don’t have that kind of heavy-type business in a residential district.’
As pointed out by commission member Mayor Royce Davenport, if this is allowed and another neighbor wants to open a retail store, the city would have to allow it. Over time, there would be high traffic and noise, a situation unsuitable for a residential area.
One suggestion was a change in zoning from residential to commercial. However, spot zoning ‘ allowing a different zone in the middle of a zone ‘ can’t be done legally.
Because Monday’s discussion pertained to what can be allowed in an R-4 district, commission members encouraged the homeowner to request a hearing to specifically address his question next month.
Residential changes to the R-4 district were accepted by the commission and will be presented to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for its approval. A public hearing will be held before the board votes.