Council upholds Planning & Zoning decision to rezone Sunset Villa lot to RV park, denies appeal 6‑1

The City Council on April 10 denied an appeal of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s decision to rezone a 3.3‑acre parcel in the Sunset Villa subdivision from R‑2 (residential) to RVP (recreational vehicle park).

The applicant for the appeal, Larry D. Frescas, argued the P&Z decision improperly interpreted buffer provisions and raised concerns about noise, generator use and the property’s location in FEMA AE flood zone. Frescas and several adjacent residents spoke in opposition during the public hearing; meeting records show 12 written protest letters were filed with the planning office prior to the Planning & Zoning hearing.

The applicant and property owner’s representative, Jason Garcia, addressed the council in favor of the rezoning and said the RV park would be professionally managed, offer full hookups and an on‑site attendant, and would increase local RV capacity for events. Garcia also said the site has long been vacant, attracts dumping and other undesirable activity, and that redevelopment could be a better use than leaving the site undeveloped.

Council debate focused on the administrative standard for appeals and the narrow scope of review the council may apply. The council voted on the appeal by roll call (six councilors voting to deny the appeal and one voting in favor of it). The clerk recorded the roll call: Councilor Moore voted to overturn the P&Z decision (a “yes” vote on the appeal), while Councilors Johnson, Ortega, Hellenbrand, Halverson, Arnold and Hammond voted “no,” resulting in a 6‑1 vote that denied the appeal and left the Planning & Zoning rezoning in place.

The council did not specify additional conditions at the hearing; staff noted the RVP zoning carries development standards and the applicant will be subject to permitting and any required site improvements and public‑safety conditions.