Explanation
Council Variance Application: CV13-029
APPLICANT: Refuge, Inc.; c/o Steven Hermiller, P.E.; Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.; 815 Grandview Avenue, Suite 650; Columbus, OH 43215.
PROPOSED USE: Shared living facility.
GREATER HILLTOP AREA COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
CITY DEPARTMENTS' RECOMMENDATION: Approval. The site is zoned AR-1, Apartment Residential District, and is developed with a vacant twelve-unit apartment building. The requested Council variance will allow a shared living facility for a maximum of 26 residents (24 residents with 2 on-site resident managers). The proposal also includes a reduction in the minimum number of parking spaces which is justified because the residents will not have cars. Variances for existing setbacks are also included. The site is located within the planning area of The Greater Hilltop Plan Amendment (2010), which recommends medium-density mixed-residential uses for this location. Shared living facilities, which are for six or more residents, must be located within the AR-3, AR-4 or AR-O, Apartment Residential Districts. Since the twelve-unit apartment building could possibly house more than the proposed 26 residents, Staff supports the proposed use, noting there is no impact on the existing density. The applicant, The Refuge, Inc., is a faith-based ministry that currently operates three properties in Columbus for men who are 18 years and older struggling with various addictions, and provides residents a home and a network of support that promotes recovery, health, and responsible living. The requested variance will allow the consolidation of the applicant's properties into one, which will improve the efficiency of their services and programming. No recommendation is being made on the hardship aspect of this request.
Title
To grant a Variance from the provisions of Sections 3333.02, AR-12, ARLD and AR-1...
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