Explanation
Council Variance Application: CV15-039
APPLICANT: M/I Homes of Central Ohio; c/o Laura MacGregor Comek, Atty.; 300 East Broad Street, Suite 450; Columbus, OH 43215.
PROPOSED USE: Single- and multi-unit residential development.
CITY DEPARTMENTS' RECOMMENDATION: Approval. The applicant has received a recommendation of approval from Staff and the Development Commission for a concurrent Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) rezoning (Ord. No. 0376-2016; Z15-034) to reallocate NE, Neighborhood Edge, NG, Neighborhood General, and NC, Neighborhood Center Districts for the development of 482 residential units. The applicant is requesting variances to increase the percentage of the NE, Neighborhood Edge District within the TND project area, to eliminate the requirement for a playground (“tot lot”) in the northwest extension of the site, and to increase the permitted percentage of frontage and maximum setback for garages. The increased NE district percentage is supported because the alley-based dwelling development required in other TND districts does not meet the marketing objectives of the applicant, and have proven to be less desirable to potential home buyers in this area who prefer a more traditional suburban lot. The elimination of the playground is supported because there is a playground within walking distance in the adjacent Albany West subdivision located to the west that will also serve this extension of that subdivision. There is a civic space provided in this northwest extension area, but it will instead be utilized for tree preservation and passive recreation. The request relating to garages is consistent with variances approved by City Council and the Columbus Board of Zoning Adjustment for developed TND sites in this area. This request is to continue the same type of development pattern on an extended TND site; therefore, Staff has no objections to the proposed variances. The applicant has committed to conditions that are similar to ...
Click here for full text