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Plan Commission approves planned‑development overlay and parking variance for Bayshore photography studio
Summary
A zone change adding a planned development overlay and approvals of a general development plan and specific implementation plan for a boutique photography studio at 536 Bayshore Drive passed 7‑0; a variance reduces the required 35 on‑site parking stalls to zero based on low anticipated demand and available on‑street spaces.
The Oshkosh Plan Commission approved a planned‑development overlay and associated general development plan (GDP) and specific implementation plan (SIP) for 536 Bayshore Drive, allowing a personal/professional service (a boutique photography studio) to occupy an existing building with no on‑site parking.
Staff told the commission the property is zoned Urban Mixed Use (UMU) and that code requires one parking stall per 300 square feet for personal/professional service uses — which would amount to 35 stalls for the building’s gross area. The applicant requested a Board of Zoning Standards/Modification (BSM) to allow zero on‑site stalls because the site cannot accommodate surface parking. Staff supported the BSM, saying the proposed studio is low intensity and on‑street parking supply in front of the building provides approximately eight stalls.
Applicant Tara Rudy told the commission she will occupy the studio about 80% of the time and expects client arrivals to be one car at a time; she asked to rely on on‑street parking for clients. Staff said the applicant will repaint the exterior and replace windows, actions that staff said would improve the building’s appearance and help offset the requested parking reduction.
Commissioners expressed support for the variance; one commissioner called the 35‑space requirement “ridiculous” for the proposed use. With no public comment, the commission moved to adopt the staff findings and recommendations. A roll‑call vote recorded seven ayes and no nays, carrying the motion 7–0.
The approval allows the photography business to operate without on‑site parking, subject to any conditions in the staff report and any building‑permit review for exterior work.
