Council Debates Land Rezoning

The Sidney City Council and staff spent part of Monday’s meeting trying to define a property that has apparently defied definition, zoning, since it was admitted into the city of Sidney.

Darin VanNatter and Susan Hiett are seeking to change the zoning of 2525 11th Ave. from R-1 to R-1A. The change of definition would allow animals on the tract of land, and a different concentration of buildings.

The rezoning of this particular parcel of ground is consistent with its use and history, according to Jim Korth, attorney for VanNatter and Hiett. Korth said the prior owner of the land had horses.

“This is how the property has been used historically,” he said.

City Manager Ed Sadler said the City staff are in support of the Planning Commission’s recommendation. He added there were four objection letters filed with Planning Commission. Chief Building Official and City Inspector Kevin Kubo said four people appeared at the Planning and Zoning meeting and there were three written objections. No objections have come before the city council.

One of the concerns is the historic platting of the property and how that lines up with proposed use. Kubo said he could not find that the property has been platted since it was annexed into Sidney. Sadler said the difference between R-1 and R-1A is 1A allows more buildings, as much as 30 percent of the acreage. Sadler said R-1A is “more generous” than R-1.

Hiett said she is not wanting numerous livestock wandering the entire property.

“I’m just thinking of a couple of horses, enough to keep the weeds down,” she said.

She was asked about managing flies, mice and rodents, potential odor that comes with livestock.

“There are ways to take care of that,” Hiett said.

Kubo said there are several properties within the city platted as R-1A; not all are connected. He added few people have enough land to zone as R-1A.

Councilman Burke Radcliffe abstained from voting on the proposal, citing a conflict with his employer.

After the public hearing closed, the city council voted to designate the number, approved by a 3-2 vote with vice-mayor Joe Arterburn voting against and councilman Burke Radcliffe abstaining. A three-reading is required before the council can decide on the proposed platte change. If the council continues with a three-reading requirement, the proposal will appear in the Jan. 22 and Feb. 12 meetings.

The council also approved Ordinance No. 1803, approving various revisions to the City of Sidney Codified Ordinances, , approved facsimile signatures of the mayor and city clerk and approved claims for December 2018.