Looking to rezone a parcel that is currently DI (drilling island)

[Brian Caudill]

Hey guys, I have a 2.62 acre lot that I’m in the process of purchasing to flip or develop. We opened escrow yesterday and it’s a 60 day with a 45 day inspection. Chicago title showed the zoning as R1 but after further digging with the county planning department I have found that the lot is actually DI which means Drilling island. Unfortunately there isn’t a lot you can do with a lot zoned DI but I’d like to know if anyone has had any luck changing the zoning from DI to R or C? From what the planner said, it can be done but there are absolutely no guarantees that it will go through. I’ll be in the deal around 100k so I need to figure out the likelihood of getting a zone change before I’m stuck with a lot that all I can do is park a few vehicles on or potentially use for a solar field. This is what I have found on DI uses

• 19.48.020 - Permitted uses.

  The following uses and all others determined to be similar to these uses pursuant to Sections19.08.030 through 19.08.080 of this title are permitted in the DI district:

  A.

  Resource extraction and energy development uses:

  — Oil or gas exploration and production pursuant to Section 19.98.050 of this title.

  — Solar energy electrical generator which is accessory to a permitted or conditionally permitted use and where the power generated does not exceed the total on-site power demand.

  (Ord. G-7482 § 77, 2007; prior code § 7105.02)

• 19.48.030 - Uses permitted with a conditional use permit.

  The following uses are permitted in the DI district with a conditional use permit:

  A.

  Recreation, entertainment and tourist facilities:

  — Park or playground;

  B.

  Miscellaneous uses:

  — Auto parking lot

  — Recreational vehicle or boat storage, private, when contiguous to, and for the benefit of, a residential development

  — Solar energy electrical generators when not accessory to a permitted or conditionally permitted use

  — Subdivision drainage sump, provided that mineral rights owners have given written consent.

  Thanks ahead of time to anyone who might be able to help. 

[Justin Hammerle]

@Brian Caudill - I would recommend amending the agreement contingent on the rezone.  As you mentioned there is significant risk and a rezone is not an easy lift.  If the seller won't go for it, I would kill the deal.