Seven Properties on Beck Being Rezoned

This week, the Cody City Council voted to approve the rezoning of most properties along the south side of Beck Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets. The zoning changes to General Business (D-2) from the previous designation of Medium-High Density Residential (R-3). The rezone for Beck Avenue passed on first reading. There was no discussion or objection to the request. There will be two more readings before the rezone becomes an ordinance.

The members of the Council expressed an overall hesitation in losing any residential property in the work session on February 10, 2026. However, in this case they felt the zoning change request was within reasonable consideration.

It’s important to understand that D-2 Commercial zoned properties already surround this property on the north, east and west. To the south on Alger behind these properties is zoned residential R-3.

With this in mind, the owners of the seven properties came together to petition for the zoning change. One of these properties is for sale and all involved would like the opportunity to have more options for the buildings to become businesses as is the case along much of Beck Ave.

Cody, WY City Council Work Session Zoning Map

Fits with the Master Plan

According to the February 10 Work Session Agenda:
“By changing the zone from Medium-Density Residential (R-3) to a General Business (D-2) zone, opportunity would open for a mixed use residential and commercial use, allowing for more jobs, services, commerce and residential housing to help meet community needs; thereby contributing to personal and community health and welfare.”

The master plan for the city defines the existing character and desired future character for each of the four districts. For District 1, the Central Cody District is described below

EXISTING CHARACTER:

“The Central Cody District consists of the historic downtown commercial core, historic downtown neighborhoods, and newer development along the river. Community amenities and attractions are heavily concentrated in this district, and include the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, West Park Hospital, the Senior Center, Cody High School, Eastside elementary School, Park County Courthouse, Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, Cody Auditorium, and City Park. Lodging, restaurants, and visitor-oriented retail dominate the storefronts along Sheridan Avenue (Main Street) and its side streets. Most traffic passes directly through Central Cody, making it the busiest area of the city.”

DESIRED FUTURE CHARACTER:

“Central Cody’s character should represent the retail, service, governmental, social and cultural heart of Cody. Residential, office, retail, entertainment and civic uses should be balanced in a way that allows for easy access to destinations and services by all modes of transportation. Downtown should be accessible and pedestrian-friendly, a welcoming place for both residents and visitors, and the central hub for shopping, dining, lodging, entertainment, gathering, and socializing. There should be abundant opportunities for outdoor dining, plazas, public art, cultural and special events, live entertainment, and places to congregate. Public investment and land use decisions should be consistent with the long-term economic health of the downtown core.”

Cody, WY City Council Work Session Zoning Map (Further)

“With the desired General Business D-2 zone, any development would need to follow the zoning district and architecture ordinances, commercial development standards, off-street parking ordinance, building codes, and fire codes that would need to be met for adequate protections for securing safety from fire, panic, or other physical dangers.”

Neighbors Notified

Per the requirements of the city, a public hearing for the rezoning of Beck Avenue was held on February 5, 2026 to allow residents to voice their opinions. In addition, all properties within 140 feet of the rezone request received notices. Of the 32 properties within that area, two had no objection and one objected. 29 properties gave no response. The property owner who submitted the objection attended the City Council Work Session and stated they were simply questioning the D-2 designation as opposed to a D-1 designation. Upon discussion with City Council, the resident better understood the decision and agreed it should be rezoned as D-2.

There has also been a recent change in rezone notifications. The 140 foot rule has been changed to encompass 300 feet. If a rezone petition is received for an area near you, you will receive a first class letter asking for your input. Furthermore, there will be a sign posted in the area. Your feedback is important as this helps City Council make a decision. If 20% or more in the area object, it would take three fourths of the city council to approve the measure.

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