The Dublin City Council worked through a quartet of planning and zoning proposals during the regular council meeting Monday, July 8.
Among the items was the possible creation of a Single Family 1B (SF1B) district or ‘dense family’ allowing for a 1,000 square foot lots instead of the current 7,000 square foot minimum.
The designation was prepared as part of the comprehensive plan a while ago to allow for more options for home owners/builders.
City Manager Bobby Mendez reported that it would allow more development on several places on the map, but mainly the east side of Dublin.
A real estate developer was present at the meeting out of interest, stating his intentions to construct a fenced neighborhood community of newer manufactured homes (can help build, but nothing older than 3 years) with plans to include his office on site, a park, playground and more.
Councilmembers spoke of some concerns about the new designation, such as the probability of the introduction of more mobile homes. It was pointed out that anyone seeking the designation will be subject to evaluation by planning and zoning and approval by city council and will still have to follow a list of requirements to ensure certain standards of safety and quality. Mendez also stated the guidelines are for brick and mortar homes as well as manufactured homes that meet regulations.
The councilmembers present unanimously voted to table the decision. (Darren Turley was absent.) Mendez encouraged them to let him know what information they need so they can revisit the decision soon.
Council also approved a proposal to replat 200 E. Blackjack into separate lots to allow for the sale of the lots next to Salyer Chiropractic Clinic including the upstairs apartment. Councilmember Sammy Moore asked about the condition of the property and was told there were no known issues. Council unanimously approved the request.
A property owner was present to speak on their requests to rezone a Mobile Home (MH1) lot to Commercial. He informed council he wanted to put an office for his landscaping business on the property and would have several pickups parked there sometimes. With no concerns from neighbors reported, council approved the request.
Council also reevaluated a request to replat a property at 301 N. Norton into four lots. The homeowner said she was raised on that property and intends for the area to look nice.
Moore noted some of the concerns issued by neighbors when letters were sent. The homeowner listened and offered potential solutions she could make, but noted that Dublin was in need of lots so she was trying to help the demand with land she wasn’t using. Council unanimously approved the replat.
Mendez also addressed the council about the fitness court to promote adult health for which a grant had been received by Blue Cross Blue Shield and the National Fitness Campaign. The Council decided to not pursue the court during the June meeting as they had not received sponsorships/ donations to cover most of the $140,000 cost the city would need to handle. Mendez said they were given options including basic equipment for $ 110,000.
The cost still seemed too high for council considering the other ways that money could be spent. The proposal died due to lack of action.