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Planning Commission approves two Delray-area subdivisions, limited to semi‑detached two‑family dwellings
Summary
The Alexandria Planning Commission approved two subdivision requests in Delray (East Howe Avenue and West Wyatt Avenue). Staff clarified both approvals do not meet R‑2.5 50‑foot minimum lot width and therefore are limited to semi‑detached two‑family development under current zoning. Both motions passed 5‑0.
The Alexandria Planning Commission on Jan. 9 approved two subdivision requests in the Delray neighborhood that create lots narrower than the R‑2.5 zoning district’s 50‑foot minimum and therefore are limited, under current code, to semi‑detached two‑family dwellings.
Commissioners voted 5‑0 to approve Subdivision 2024‑000115318 (East Howe Avenue) and Subdivision 2024‑000122 (West Wyatt Avenue) after staff and applicants confirmed the approvals do not authorize single‑family development on the narrower parcels. Commissioner Brown pressed for a clear on‑the‑record statement about the limits of approval, and staff agreed the record and final staff report would include that clarification.
The R‑2.5 zone specifies a 50‑foot minimum lot width for standard single‑unit development; staff and commissioners explained that where lots are narrower than 50 feet the code allows only a subset of uses. Katie McDonald, Department of Planning and Zoning, confirmed to the commission: “Yes, it is correct” that the subdivision approvals would limit development to semi‑detached two‑family dwellings under the current ordinance. Commissioner Brown summarized his understanding: “My understanding is that the the minimum lot with requirement in the R 2.5 zone It's 50 feet and we're creating 2 lots, neither of which is 50 feet wide.”
Applicant representatives told the commission their clients intend to build semi‑detached two‑family dwellings. Duncan Blair, representing LA Linden LLC for the East Howe application, said the subdivision would be recorded and that any future different development would require compliance with applicable zone requirements. For the West Wyatt application, attorney Kathy Puskar told the commission her client intends to build a semi‑detached two‑family dwelling but noted future zoning changes could alter what is allowed.
Commission discussion also noted the R‑2.5 zone’s unusual structure — with separate lot width and lot size criteria for different permitted uses — and several commissioners said the cases highlighted the opportunity to revisit citywide minimum lot width standards in a future zoning review. The planning commission’s approvals were routine motions from the consent calendar and each passed on recorded voice votes 5‑0.
Votes at a glance
- Subdivision 2024‑000115318 (East Howe Avenue): Motion to approve by Commissioner Brown; second by Commissioner Koenig; outcome approved 5‑0. Note: staff clarified approval is limited to semi‑detached two‑family dwellings under R‑2.5; no variation to lot‑width requirements was requested.
- Subdivision 2024‑000122 (West Wyatt Avenue): Motion to approve by Commissioner Brown; second by Commissioner Lyle; outcome approved 5‑0. Note: lots are 37.5 feet wide and therefore, under current zoning, eligible only for semi‑detached two‑family dwellings.
