Planning commission issues favorable recommendation for use variance at 105 Oneko Street (3–2)

The Commission on the City Plan on Jan. 28 voted 3–2 in favor of recommending that the Zoning Board of Appeals grant a use variance to allow a single‑family dwelling on a subdivided lot at 105 Oneko Street (variance 20‑12). The property is in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zone, where single‑family dwellings are not a permitted use.

The applicant, Guillermo Suria, requested a use variance to authorize construction of a prefabricated house on the subdivided lot and described the intent in a written statement read into the record: the house would be close to his elderly sister so they can care for one another. Planning staff explained that use variances in the regulations are limited and that a use variance should be granted only where, without the variance, private property would be rendered valueless. Staff described the referral process under the zoning regulations and asked the commission to provide a recommendation to the ZBA as required by the code.

Commissioners discussed the local context, noting mixed uses in the area and recent approvals for nearby institutional and commercial uses. After discussion the commission voted to give a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the applicant’s requested use variance. The commission’s recommendation does not itself grant a variance; the ZBA will make the final decision following its procedures.

The commission’s recorded vote on the motion was three in favor, two opposed. The commission’s discussion and the applicant’s written statement are part of the record forwarded to the ZBA for its decision.