Explanation
Council Variance Application: CV18-025
APPLICANT: Jeanne Cabral; 2939 Bexley Park Road; Columbus, OH 43209.
PROPOSED USE: Mixed-use building.
NEAR EAST AREA COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
CITY DEPARTMENTS' RECOMMENDATION: Approval. The site consists of a single parcel developed with a mixed-use building zoned in the R-3, Residential District, which was rendered nonconforming by a city-sponsored down-zoning of the Near East Area in 1974 (Z73-197). The applicant proposes to repurpose the building for an eating and drinking establishment or retail uses on the first floor while maintaining two second-story apartment units. Variances to reduce required parking (from 31 spaces to zero), vision clearance, lot width, area district requirements, lot coverage, building lines, and yard standards are included in this request. The site is within the planning area of the Near East Area Plan (2005), which does not have a recommended land use for this location, but contains a series of criteria to determine if proposed commercial uses are supportable within residential areas. These criteria included consideration of preservation of existing contributing buildings and whether there is an existing non-conforming commercial use, both of which are applicable in this case. Additionally, staff supports the request for reduced parking as the Plan recognizes that parking needs should be balanced with preserving the character of the neighborhood and creating a pedestrian-friendly environment. The site is in a dense neighborhood accessible by foot, bicycle, and bus, has on street parking, and currently has no on-site parking.
Title
To grant a Variance from the provisions of Sections 3332.035, R-3, Residential District; 3312.49, Minimum numbers of parking spaces required; 3321.05(B)(2), Vision clearance; 3332.05, Area district lot width requirements; 3332.13, R-3 area district requirements; 3332.18(D), Basis of computing area; 3332.21, Building lines; ...
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