An act amending Official Zoning Map No. STZ-7 to rezone Parcel No. 2L Estate Bakkero, No. 5, Frenchman’s Quarter, St. Thomas from R-1 (Residential-Low Density) to R-3 (Residential-Medium Density)

2025-2026 Regular Session

Rezones Parcel No. 2L, Estate Bakkero No. 5, Frenchman’s Quarter from R-1 to R-3, enabling higher-density housing per standards, with map update and review by planners.

Sent to Lt. Governor

Overview

Bill 36-0094 proposes amending Official Zoning Map No. STZ-7 to rezone a specified parcel in Frenchman’s Quarter, St. Thomas. The target shift is from R-1 (Residential-Low Density) to R-3 (Residential-Medium Density). The bill has progressed through the Legislature and is currently in the final step of enactment, having been sent to the Lt. Governor after approval by the Governor.

Bill number: 36-0094

Title: An act amending Official Zoning Map No. STZ-7 to rezone Parcel No. 2L Estate Bakkero, No. 5, Frenchman’s Quarter, St. Thomas from R-1 (Residential-Low Density) to R-3 (Residential-Medium Density)

Affected location: Parcel No. 2L, Estate Bakkero No. 5, Frenchman’s Quarter, St. Thomas

Current zoning vs. proposed: R-1 (Residential-Low Density) → R-3 (Residential-Medium Density)

What the bill would do

Change the zoning classification of the parcel specified above on Official Zoning Map No. STZ-7.

Allow a transition from low-density residential use to a medium-density residential framework, subject to applicable zoning standards for R-3 (density, setbacks, height, parking, etc.).

Update the official zoning map to reflect the new designation, ensuring consistency with zoning regulations and development review processes.

Key provisions and changes

Zoning map amendment: Reclassify Parcel No. 2L from R-1 to R-3.

Official map update: Amend STZ-7 to reflect the new designation for the parcel.

Development standards: While not detailed in the synopsis, R-3 typically permits higher residential density than R-1 and would be subject to district-specific standards (e.g., minimum lot width/area, setbacks, height limits, parking requirements, and other development controls).

Affected parties and potential impact

Property owner(s) of Parcel No. 2L Estate Bakkero No. 5: Could pursue higher-density residential development, subject to all zoning and subdivision approvals.

Surrounding residents and neighborhood: Likely to experience changes in neighborhood density, traffic patterns, infrastructure demand, and potentially property values; outcomes depend on the eventual development plan and site design.

Local government and planning authority: Will need to review and approve any development proposals consistent with the amended zoning to ensure compliance with comprehensive planning, subdivision regulations, and public services.

Procedural timeline and current status

2025-04-22: Bill received and assigned (initial action in the session).

2025-05-08: To Senate (placement on legislative track).

2025-05-19: Introduced (formal introduction date).

2025-06-06: Sent to Governor (legislative transmission for executive action).

2025-06-13: Governor approved (executive approval completed).

2025-06-26: Sent to Lt. Governor (enactment finalized for certification and filing).

Current status: Enrolled and transmitted to Lt. Governor for certification and recording; effectively the final step toward enactment, pending Lt. Governor processing.

Notes on implications

The shift from R-1 to R-3 signals a policy move toward accommodating higher-density housing on the parcel, aligned with housing supply goals or broader growth strategies, depending on the local planning framework.

Actual development outcomes will depend on subsequent site plans, subdivision approvals, and adherence to district-specific standards and public infrastructure capacity.

Bill