Guymon board recommends rezoning, aims to preserve accessory dwelling

On November 5 the Guymon Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend that the City Council rezone Lots 11, 12 and 13 of Block 28, Original Guymon, known in the meeting as 707 North Allison and in the staff report as 707 North Lisonbee, from C3 commercial to R2 residential. The advisory action would allow an accessory dwelling already on the parcel to conform to local zoning rules if the Council approves final action at its December 9 hearing.

City staff told the board the city Future Land Use Map designates the site for higher density residential uses and noted multifamily housing sits to the north of the block. Staff said applicant John Reed requested rezoning because the accessory unit needs residential zoning to comply with city code. The staff report and applicant presentation also described property improvements and new off alley parking intended to reduce any neighborhood impact.

Reed told the board he planned a small one bedroom apartment behind the existing house and described off alley changes, saying he had "moved the fence up 25 feet and allowed 4 parking spaces back there, maybe 5, depending on how tight he is," and that he did not anticipate more than one or two occupants. Reed said he had the alley surface chipsealed and blacktopped after utility work and pledged to maintain the property and respond to problems, stating "I wanna be a good landlord that would take care of the property and make sure that it is all done, brochure, and right. And if there's any issues that come up, I would be for sure willing to address them and fix them."

Public comment included concern about parking from Van Heckel, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church, who said churchgoers regularly share parking with nearby residents and warned that the rezoning could increase demand. He told the board "I'm just worried if you if we rezone it where more people can be in there, then it it's gonna be an issue in the future." Staff also said letters of protest had been submitted ahead of the meeting.

Board members observed that parts of the block are already zoned R2 and emphasized their role in interpreting zoning rules in the context of the City Council adopted Future Land Use Map rather than setting citywide policy. One member said the proposal "does fit" with the council plan and a motion to recommend approval was moved and seconded. Members announced aye votes for Montgomery, Oblander and Yeeks or Yeinks, and Singletary voiced aye; the presiding member stated, "Motion carries."

The board recommendation is advisory only. Council consideration and a public hearing are set for December 9, and residents who spoke at the planning board meeting were encouraged to attend. The meeting transcript also records variant spellings for the property address and block name, and city records should be consulted for the official legal description before Council action. For Texas County residents the outcome will affect neighborhood density, parking patterns near churches and homes, and whether an existing accessory unit will be legally recognized under Guymon zoning.