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Board OKs special exception and variances for 5-unit project at 306 E. Walnut
Summary
Kokomo City Zoning Appeals Board approved a special exception to allow conversion of an existing building at 306 East Walnut Street into five one-bedroom apartments and granted variances for lot area, floor area, density and parking after discussion about unit size and parking adequacy.
The Kokomo City Zoning Appeals Board on an uncontested voice vote approved a special exception and multiple variances that will allow the conversion of an existing building at 306 East Walnut Street into five one-bedroom apartments. The petitioner and staff said the remodel will stabilize the building, bring systems up to code and add a dedicated seven-space parking lot off the alley.
The petitioner’s representative, DJ Butchart, read the petitioner’s findings of fact, saying the proposal “will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community.” He told the board the plan calls for interior remodeling, new drywall and flooring, updated electrical, new bathrooms and foundation stabilization.
Staff likewise recommended approval, noting the plan provides a dedicated parking lot with seven spaces and that required setback standards will be met. Staff said the proposed variances involve reduced lot area, reduced average floor area per unit, increased density and reduced parking.
Board members pressed the petitioner on parking and unit size. One board member said they “struggle a lot” with approving variances when applicants push development standards to the limit and asked whether entrance location or reconfiguration could provide more parking. Butchart and staff said the parking layout will be finalized in a subsequent case and that the special exception under review covers only the five-unit use. The petitioner confirmed the units will be one-bedroom apartments.
Another board member noted average unit sizes in nearby buildings and said, on the record, that he believed the proposed one-bedroom units were “entirely too small” but voted to approve because neighboring units are similar in size. Staff said the petitioner will add seven parking spaces, and said the city is considering a new multifamily parking standard of 1.5 spaces per unit (not yet implemented).
The board made approval contingent on the recorded findings and voted in favor; the motion passed by voice vote.
Less-critical details: the petitioner described the parking area as “right off the alley” behind the building. The site is identified in staff materials as zoned in an urban residential district and the project was described as consistent with the Kokomo comprehensive plan’s designation for higher-density residential use in the downtown area.
The board will consider the petitioner’s development plan and any remaining variances in a separate docketed case that staff said is scheduled to follow this approval.
