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Board approves triplex at 1630 Washington Avenue after drainage, parking questions
Summary
A conditional‑use permit for a triplex at 1630 Washington Avenue was approved for a 10‑year period after the applicant and neighbors discussed drainage and parking; planning staff noted the parcel is under one acre so city stormwater rules do not apply at the zoning stage.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a conditional‑use permit April 14 allowing Rodney Pettit to construct a triplex at 1630 Washington Avenue, a lot described as the last vacant parcel in the block.
Pettit told the board the building will be oriented east‑west and include two off‑street parking spaces per unit; he said the site "flows down the hill away from the street" and that runoff will be directed to a natural drainage ravine behind the property. Staff told the board parcels under one acre are not regulated by the city's stormwater program, but that drainage will be subject to review during building permitting.
A neighbor raised concerns about runoff reaching lower properties and asked whether the public drainage culvert downstream could handle increased volume during heavy storms. Pettit and staff said the property naturally drains to a ravine and that the design will avoid directing flow to the street. "We're gonna channel the water… to the backside there where there is the natural drainage area," Pettit said.
Board members walked through the nine conditional‑use criteria and unanimously found them met, citing the existing multifamily pattern in the neighborhood, off‑street parking provision, and the applicant’s assurances about grading and drainage. The board approved the permit for a 10‑year period by roll call with all members present voting yes.
The board noted building‑permit review will address technical drainage and grading details and that the applicant may add additional rear parking if needed. No specific permit or stormwater conditions were inserted at the zoning decision; staff reminded parties that construction permits will incorporate technical site conditions.
