ORANGE : Old Town Rezoning Request Denied

The City Council this week denied a request to rezone 19 properties in the northwest section of the historic Old Town district. Property owners had sought the change so they could build more than two units on each parcel.

After more than an hour of testimony Tuesday night, council members voted unanimously to uphold the current zoning.

The Planning Commission had denied the request to change the zoning in October, citing concerns about preserving the historic district as well as preventing overcrowding, but the decision was appealed to the City Council.

A number of property owners in the area say they were improperly notified when the city changed the zoning in 1990 to prohibit multiple dwellings from being built on each parcel.

“I might have received a postcard in the mail, but who looks at postcards in the mail?” said property owner Ralph Freites.

But other Old Town residents said they believe that property owners had received adequate notice of the zoning changes.

“If you receive a postcard from the City Council, you must take notice of it,” Kellee Ruiz, a resident, said. “A lot of folks in the area have worked long and hard for years to improve the neighborhood through zoning.”

But those seeking the right to build multiple dwellings on their property said the city was interfering with their rights to do what they consider best for their property.

“My family has always intended to build a third unit to take care of a family member, if necessary,” Carol Ann Peterson said. “I always thought I would add a third unit for my parents.”