The Mendenhall Zoning Board met on July 31.
Chairman of the board Larry Munn was absent. Johnny White chaired the meeting in Munn’s absence. The remaining members of the board are Geneva Williamson, Ruby Hooks, Rosemary Jones, and Pat Bynum.
The Zoning Board began the meeting by approving the May 26 minutes. The purpose of the public hearing was to consider a request from Ronnie Teater to rezone his property located at 200 Mitchell Street from C-2 general commercial district to R-1 single family residential district. Teater attended the meeting to explain his request.
The board described the property and situation as unique. The property is surrounded by commercial businesses, which is why it was originally zoned as C-2, but it has never been used for commercial purposes.
Teater explained that he requested the board rezone his property after an attempt to get a residential loan was denied because the property was classified as commercial. He said he did not wish to pursue a commercial loan because the property is not being used commercially.
Zoning administrator David Miller, worked closely with Teater and assisted the board with questions. Miller explained that the property has never been used for anything except residential purposes since being built in the 1920’s. Miller said he researched the property and viewed past zoning maps as late as 1998 that showed the property as always being C-2.
The board discussed the situation in depth. The conversation jostled between not wanting to spot zone, and also not wanting to hinder Teater from getting his loan. Rosemary Jones voiced concerns about the amount of side yard, and that the property lacked the requirements to be classified as R-1. Miller said that the property would not meet side yard requirements and that the board would have to allow a variance if choosing to rezone. After more discussion the board unanimously approved to rezone Teater’s property as R-1. The actions taken by the Zoning Board were approved at the August 1. Regular scheduled meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
