County Planning
These properties by historical accident are split-zoned (MR-1 and A-2). Rather than simply resolving the split zoning, the County decided through the pre-application process (24-125390 PA) to require rezoning to "P-D lite" to accommodate existing buildings with non-code setbacks while remaining residential use. The utility will also require the existing overhead power line to be moved to provide their required right-of-way. No other changes to improvements, access, or utilities are proposed.
• Related County policy: Zoning Resolution § 6. Rezoning and Special Use
UPDATES:
(2/26/2025) The formal application (25-104045 RZ) was filed and is in the first referral stage of review (see documents in the case folder here).
(1/21/2025) A virtual community meeting (24-133427 CMT) required by the County was held.
These properties, north of US 40 at "the curve" and adjacent to I-70 exit 251, are zoned and used for residential and agricultural purposes (the house was one of the original residences in this area). Despite that, these properties have since the 1980s been shown in Comprehensive Master Plan mapping as appropriate for commercial use. The existing Evergreen Area Plan says with regard to the El Rancho Activity Center that there is adequate commercial zoning to meet market demand. The Save El Rancho Campaign has previously argued that these residential parcels should not be mapped as commercial, because that implies future commercial rezoning, and instead should be mapped as they are: residential. A community proposal to the County submitted in Feb 2024 asked that this change be made in the forthcoming revision to the CMP.