TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dustin Anderson, Director of Community Development
SUBJECT:
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Ordinance Approving a Variation of Use to Allow a Mixed-Use Structure, Located at 616 Williamson Avenue (ZBA 2025-35)
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BACKGROUND:
The petitioner and property owner, Bipan Sharma, is requesting approval of a Variation of Use to allow a mixed-use structure, containing a dwelling unit and a non-residential use, in the R-3 (one- and two-family residential) zoning district at 616 Williamson Avenue. The existing building, which was built around 1906 as a church, would contain one dwelling unit on the basement level and an open space, formerly used for religious assembly, on the main level. While a dwelling unit is permitted in the R-3 zoning district, a mixed-use structure, where two principal uses would exist, is prohibited and requires approval of a Variation of Use.
The 64-foot by 134-foot subject property contains a one-story building originally constructed as a church and used for religious purposes until at least 2018. The petitioner purchased the property in November 2023. According to the petitioner, the basement level was set up as a dwelling unit with the current floor plan when they purchased the building. The unit contains one bedroom, one bathroom, a living room, and a kitchen. The basement level dwelling unit has its own separate entrance on the north side of the building as well as a rear door on the south side. The basement level does not have any interior connections to the main level, which is still set up as a religious facility.
The petitioner states that they currently do not have plans to utilize the main floor as a church, but may use it for personal storage (files, tools, etc.). Approval of the Variation of Use will allow the structure to contain one dwelling unit along with a separate space that is not part of or accessory to the dwelling unit. If the owner wishes to use the main floor for a use other than storage or a religious insti...
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