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Florence City BZA approves variance to subdivide two narrow downtown storefronts
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance to allow subdivision of an existing parcel that contains two narrow storefronts at 152 and 154 South Dargan Street, recognizing historic downtown lot patterns and enabling separate conveyance of the buildings.
The Florence City Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance that allows the subdivision of a single parcel containing two narrow downtown storefronts at 152 and 154 South Dargan Street.
City staff told the board the Unified Development Ordinance requires a minimum lot width of 25 feet in the Central Business District for newly created lots, but that the two existing buildings were constructed before that standard and measure roughly 13.5 feet and about 17 feet at the storefronts. Staff noted similar narrow parcels exist in the downtown area and said applying the 25‑foot minimum literally would prevent the landowner from subdividing and conveying the buildings separately.
Applicant representatives said the owner, Coffea Enterprises LLC, seeks to create two lots so each building can be sold or financed independently; one tenant, a bookstore, is under contract to purchase its space. Patrick Ford, counsel for the owner, said subdivision would promote owner occupancy and reinvestment in downtown storefronts.
Mr. Poston moved to approve the variance and read findings of fact into the record, saying the request "reflects the historic pattern of narrow pedestrian‑oriented storefronts" and "will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property or to the public good." Miss Singley seconded. The board voted in favor and the variance was approved.
Staff and the applicant said utilities and building separations are already configured to serve each storefront separately; the variance formalizes parcel lines to match existing building boundaries and to permit separate conveyance.
Votes at a glance: Variance to allow subdivision of parcel at 152 and 154 South Dargan Street — motion to approve by Mr. Poston, seconded by Miss Singley; outcome: approved.
