The Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. Six commissioners were present (Commissioners Gray, Lowe, Stanton, Stockton, Darr, Graybell), achieving a quorum. Commissioners Walters and Brodsky were absent. The commission considered five public hearing items: one rezoning request that was tabled, one major PD plan revision, two short-term rental conditional use permits, and one rezoning request for vehicle storage/service. Two cases were approved, one was tabled, and one STR application resulted in a split vote (3-3) leading to a recommendation of denial.
Case 221-2026 (Fair Lane Townhomes rezoning): The applicant (Simon & Struemph Engineering) requested tabling to the September 24 meeting to better prepare a presentation. No public testimony was offered on the case itself, but the tabling request was uncontested.
Case 225-2026 (Lake George PD plan major revision): Andy Green (Crockett Engineering, agent) spoke in support, noting the need for additional independent living units and parking for a continuing care retirement community. No other public testimony was offered.
Case 226-2026 (7 N Glenwood Ave STR CUP):
Case 227-2026 (5103 Craydon Dr STR CUP):
Case 228-2026 (702 W Sexton Rd rezoning):
Case 221-2026: Fair Lane Townhomes Rezoning (R-2 to R-MF) – The applicant requested tabling to September 24, 2026. The commission opened a public hearing per customary procedure, heard no opposition, and voted unanimously to table the case to the next meeting. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council.
Case 225-2026: Lake George PD Plan Major Revision – Staff presented: the request involves adding 12 independent living units, a design exception to exceed 200% of allowed parking (22 spaces vs. required 9, exceeding the 18-space cap), and reducing minimum open space from 30% to 15% (though the site plan shows well over 30% open space). Commissioner Darr questioned the open space reduction; the applicant stated 15% is the typical minimum and the site will exceed it. Commissioner Lowe noted the parking exception is justified given the low baseline requirement and the nature of independent living. The commission voted 6-0 to approve the revised PD plan and statement of intent.
Case 226-2026: 7 N Glenwood Ave STR CUP – Staff reported the property has operated as an STR since 2023 without permits, received a citation in June 2025, and the case was closed April 2026; the application was submitted June 1, 2026. The property continued to operate during the process. A letter of opposition cited parking issues. Commissioners expressed concerns about noncompliance and the extended period of illegal operation. Commissioner Gray noted the property's history of noncompliance and questioned the delay in applying. Commissioner Stockton worried about disadvantaging compliant future applicants. Commissioner Lowe hesitated but noted few other reasons for denial. Commissioner Darr raised consistency with a previous denial on density grounds. After a motion for approval (seconded), the vote was 3-3 (Gray: no, Lowe: yes, Stanton: yes, Stockton: no, Darr: no, Graybell: yes). Split vote constitutes failure; the case will be forwarded to City Council with a recommendation for denial.
Case 227-2026: 5103 Craydon Dr STR CUP – Staff recommended approval with conditions (max 8 guests, 210 nights, ensure 4 off-street parking spaces). The applicant (owner) stated he plans to relocate but will designate a local agent and use noise-monitoring devices. Commissioner Gray asked about profitability; the owner cited flexibility to return. Commissioner Darr encouraged contact with the opposing neighbor. The commission voted 6-0 to approve the conditional use permit with the stated conditions.
Case 228-2026: 702 W Sexton Rd Rezoning (R-2 to M-C) – Staff detailed that the rezoning would create nonconformities (structure, use, site features) but these can be addressed via variance or live-work dwelling designation. The buildable envelope is restrictive (about 5,000 sq ft) due to setbacks. The intended use is light vehicle service and repair for a nonprofit vehicle donation program. Commissioner Gray raised a concern about the zoning district choice (MC vs. MN) and future uses, but other commissioners supported the application given the nonprofit's limited hours and neighbor support. Staff clarified MC requires larger setbacks than MN, reducing neighborhood impact. The commission voted 6-0 to approve the rezoning.
Yeah, we're just working on the basic work. Well last yeah, I can have a single point. Yeah, yeah. Well, they should have one. I don't mind calling it up. Oh, I think just yeah. Uh so uh you come through. Yeah, it's true. Yeah, we're just gonna pretty hard. Yeah, I'll see you like the right. Yeah, yeah. I think it should have been what I'm wrong. So we could go to the round for the dogs. Staff. Good evening. I am calling the September 10th, 2026, planning and zoning commissioning regular meeting to order. Madam Secretary. Can I roll call, please? You sure can. Commissioner Gray is here. Commissioner Lowe. Here. Commissioner Santon. Present. Commissioner Stockton here. Commissioner Walters is absent. Commissioner Brodsky is absent. Commissioner Darr? Commissioner Commissioner Graybell. Here. That is six. We have a quorum. Outstanding. Staff, do we have any adjustments to the agenda? No, we do not. And move to approve the agenda. Second. It's been moved and property seconded. All those in favor. Who was second on those Grey Bill? Commissioner Grable. Thank you. All those in favor of the agenda, thumbs up. All those opposed, thumbs down. We should add time to review the minutes from the August twentieth meeting. Are there any adjustments to the minutes from the previous meeting? No, I move to approve the minutes. Seconded. It's been moved and property seconded by Mr. Law.