Morgantown board tables parking-variance request for 731 Wells Street pending more documentation

The Morgantown Board of Zoning Appeals voted to table the request from John Espinosa for variance relief from the city’s off‑street parking requirement at 731 Wells Street. Espinosa told the board he purchased the property in April 2024 and plans a full gut renovation to create a one‑unit, three‑bedroom rental unit aimed at student tenants. He said the lot’s topography — including a roughly 10-foot drop from the street and a large front-yard tree — would make adding off‑street parking cost‑prohibitive.

Board members pressed the applicant for details about existing parking usage, neighborhood congestion and possible alternatives. The applicant said the lot currently has zero off‑street parking and that he has contacted the owner of a neighboring parcel that contains a small parking area but had not yet secured a lease. Members suggested the applicant either (1) obtain leasing arrangements for at least two off‑street spaces within the ordinance’s applicable distance or (2) provide additional photographic and profile documentation demonstrating that cut-and-fill excavation or retaining-wall construction would be infeasible or prohibitively costly.

The board tabled the case to the November regular meeting and instructed the applicant to return with photographic documentation of the topography, letters or other evidence from neighbors (or a parking lease) and any additional engineering or cost detail. The motion to table was seconded; the board voted unanimously to table the case.

John Espinosa told the board he expected to be able to return with documentation within 30 days. Planning staff will note the tabled status and advise the applicant on submission requirements.