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Commission approves 80-unit Vienna Heights Apartments with parking variance
Summary
The commission approved an 80-unit apartment project and granted a variance to reduce parking by 10 spaces; architects and staff discussed garage counting, open space and lighting.
The Planning Commission approved Vienna Heights Apartments, an 80-unit multifamily development, and granted a variance reducing parking by 10 spaces.
Why it matters: The decision allows a sizable new rental complex to proceed; the commission and staff focused on how garage spaces are counted, site lighting, pedestrian access and common open space calculations.
George Skane of Blue and Associates presented the proposal, describing an 80-unit layout with garages integrated into the buildings and amenities including pickleball courts and a fire pit. Skane said the design counts garage spaces but the project remains approximately 10 spaces short of the full code requirement even after including garages. "After we include the garages, we're still short by 10," he said.
Staff comments required confirmation of storm pipe slopes, a geotechnical report for County Line Road cross sections, culvert work with the neighbor to the north, and compliance with multifamily design standards for common open space (staff requested at least three elements from the code's list). Commissioners asked about striping in front of garages and whether exterior patios and breezeways meet the usable open-space requirements; staff told the applicant balconies and private patios cannot be counted toward common open space.
The parking variance passed 9–0. The large-scale development motion to approve the project subject to staff comments also passed 9–0. The applicant must submit the required geotechnical report, structural and drainage details, and demonstrate accessible pedestrian connections before permits are issued.
Next steps: Applicant to revise plans to address staff comments and submit civil/structural permits. Staff will verify compliance before building permits are issued.
