Jasper Rezoning Request Advances to City Council

A property owner's request to change the zoning designation of a rural parcel advanced this week after receiving a favorable recommendation from the Jasper Plan Commission. 

Caleb and Kaci Wehr, as owner and petitioner, presented a rezoning request to the Commission for their property at 801 South 400 West. They specifically asked that the board approve rezoning from RR, Rural Residential, to A1, Agriculture General. The Wehrs plan to construct a barn with an electric fence and stables, with pasture and a riding area for the couple’s horses. The property is surrounded by agriculture and wooded areas, with a larger horse farm nearby. A similar small-scale cattle operation is also in the area. 

Overall, Caleb Wehr said that the area is a combination of agricultural and rural residential properties. According to Jasper’s Future Transportation and Improvements Map, Wehr said the change would not conflict with any of the flooding improvements to be made. Since their back yard is sloped and wooded, the front yard was determined to be the most appropriate building site. 

The board asked whether the new construction would be visible to neighbors, and Wehr said that they would be able to see the barn. He also indicated that they have all been notified of the proposed changes to the property. Kaci Wehr explained that they have also had conversations in person with the neighbors, who have expressed no concerns. 

If the current zoning of RR remains in place, the Wehrs said that Brossmer Surveying had indicated that 5 variances would need to be submitted for the project. A change to A1 Agricultural zoning was therefore seen as the most direct way to move forward. After discussing the impact of the request, the board voted to make a favorable recommendation to the City Council to grant a rezone from an RR Rural Residential to an A1 Agricultural. The City Council will review the recommendation and make a final decision. 
 
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- By Drew Hasselbring