Explanation
Council Variance Application: CV24-111
APPLICANT: Homeside Renovations, LLC c/o Joshua Tomey; 161 N. 4th Street, Columbus, OH 43215.
PROPOSED USE: Three-unit dwelling.
LIVINGSTON AVENUE AREA COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
CITY DEPARTMENTS' RECOMMENDATION: Approval. The site consists of one parcel developed with a single-unit dwelling in the R-3, Residential District. The requested Council variance will allow for the existing dwelling to be converted into a three-unit dwelling which would otherwise be a restricted use in the R-3 district. The request also includes a variance to reduce the lot width requirement from 50 feet to the existing 40 feet. The site is located within the planning boundaries of the Near Southside Plan (2011), which recommends “Medium Density Mixed Residential (6-10du/ac)” land uses at this location. Staff notes the proposed density is greater than the Plan’s recommendation, however, Columbus Citywide Planning Policies (C2P2) Design Guidelines (2018) recommend projects that are proposed at a density higher than that of the recommended land use may be supported if they include a high level of site and architectural design. Staff recognize existing higher density residential uses to the east, preservation of the existing home, and the site’s proximity to the East Livingston Avenue corridor as mitigating factors for support. Additionally, the project is consistent with the City’s objective of creating more housing in all areas of the city.
Title
To grant a Variance from the provisions of Sections 3332.035, R-3 residential district; and 3332.05(A)(4), Area district lot width requirements, of the Columbus City Codes; for the property located at 1351 KENT ST. (43205), to allow a three-unit dwelling with a reduced lot width in the R-3, Residential District (Council Variance #CV24-111).
Body
WHEREAS, by application #CV24-111, the owner of the property at 1351 KENT ST. (43205), is requesting a Council Variance to allow a three-unit dwelling with reduced lot width in the R-3, Residential District; and
WHEREAS, Section 3332.035, R-3 residential district, does not allow a three-unit dwelling, while the applicant proposes to maintain a three-unit dwelling; and
WHEREAS, Section 3332.05(A)(4), Area district lot width requirements, requires a minimum lot width of 50 feet in the R-3, Residential District, while the applicant proposes to maintain a reduced lot width of 40 feet; and
WHEREAS, the Livingston Avenue Area Commission recommends approval; and
WHEREAS, City Departments recommend approval because the proposed use is consistent with the land use recommendation of the Near Southside Plan; and
WHEREAS, said ordinance requires separate submission for all applicable permits and Certificate of Occupancy for the proposed use; and
WHEREAS, said variance will not adversely affect the surrounding property or surrounding neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, the granting of said variance will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent properties or unreasonably increase the congestion of public streets, or unreasonably diminish or impair established property values within the surrounding area, or otherwise impair the public health, safety, comfort, morals, or welfare of the inhabitants of the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the granting of said variance will alleviate the difficulties encountered by the owners of the property located at 1351 KENT ST. (43205), in using said property as desired; now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That a variance is hereby granted from the provisions of Sections 3332.035, R-3 residential district; and 3332.05(A)(4), Area district lot width requirements, of the Columbus City Codes; for the property located at 1351 KENT ST. (43205), insofar as said sections prohibit a two-unit dwelling in the R-3, Residential District, with a reduced lot width from 50 feet to 40 feet; said property being more particularly described as follows:
1351 KENT ST. (43205), being 0.18± acres located on the south side of Kent Street 200± feet west of Miller Avenue, and being more particularly described as follows:
Situated in the City of Columbus, County of Franklin, and State of Ohio:
Being Forty (40) feet off the east side of Lot Number One Hundred Eight (108) of Thomas Millers Addition to said City, as the same is numbered and delineated upon the amended plat thereof, of record in Plat Book 2, Page 228, Recorder’s Office, Franklin County, Ohio.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance is conditioned on and shall remain in effect only for so long as said property is used for a three-unit dwelling, or those uses allowed in the R-3, Residential District.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance is further conditioned on the subject site being developed in general conformance with the site plan titled, "KENT STREET RESIDENCES," signed by Josh Tomey, Applicant, and dated May 19, 2025. The plan may be slightly adjusted to reflect engineering, topographical, or other site data developed at the time of the development and when engineering and architectural drawings are completed. Any slight adjustment to the plan shall be reviewed and may be approved by the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services, or a designee, upon submission of the appropriate data regarding the proposed adjustment.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance is further conditioned upon the applicant obtaining all applicable permits and a Certificate of Occupancy for the proposed use.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.