(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members had a lengthy discussion concerning zoning with Dan Farley who owns a home at 1300 Harlan Street when they met Monday evening.

Farley said that several years after purchasing his house, he discovered it was zoned as a commercial property. He said all the houses along Harlan Street are zoned commercial and the action was take without regards those  homeowners.

Farley said the zoning designation has made it difficult to sell the home and he and his wife desire to move to be closer to their children. He suggested a fair way to solve his issue would be for the City to buy him out at the appraised value and then he would move.

Farley said he had discussed the situation with the Planning Commission but the commission ruled the best use of the property was for commercial use.

City Administrator Gary Jorn explained the process that would have to be followed to change the zoning to residential – commercial flex. The action would require Farley to rezone his property and there would be a number of expenses Farley would be responsible for to do so. 

Farley said potential buyers were unable to get a loan on the property since it was zoned commercial.  Jorn noted that the house is non-conforming with the current zoning, but is allowed because the house was built on the location prior to the zoning being put in place. 

Mayor Shawna Bindle said the Council needs more information before any action can be taken.  She said the City will follow up with Farley when they receive more information.