Planning commission approves 32-unit "Clarence Place" subdivision for Habitat with conditions

The Oxford Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve preliminary subdivision and combined preliminary/final plan development for "Clarence Place," a Habitat for Humanity proposal for 601–603–607 West Chestnut that would create 32 townhome lots and three common lots on roughly 3.464 acres.

John Moore, a planning staff presenter, described the project as a 35-lot replat (32 unit lots plus three common lots) on land the city currently owns and zoned R-2A (single- and two‑family). Moore said the proposed development would retain some vegetation and a large maple on site, install a detention basin for stormwater flowing to Bull Run, and include a rapid‑flashing beacon at the McGuffey/Chestnut crossing to improve pedestrian access. "This is PC 2024‑17 and dash 18," Moore told the commission as he opened the staff report.

The commission’s approval follows a staff recommendation to grant the combined plan and subdivision subject to 13 stipulations (seven conditions and six code waivers). Moore summarized key waivers the applicant requested: reduced required off‑street parking (staff counted 57 spaces on the plan versus a code minimum of 64), front‑yard setback reductions (proposed 5 feet vs. the district 30‑foot minimum), and a reduced…