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BZA approves variance to split downtown parcel for Jack's Books and Leaf Lounge
Summary
The Florence City Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance to allow subdivision of a downtown parcel on South Dargan Street into two narrow lots so each commercial building can be separately conveyed. Staff and the applicant said the request recognizes historic downtown lot patterns; the board approved findings and the variance.
The Florence City Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance to allow the subdivision of a single downtown parcel on South Dargan Street into two separate lots so that Jack's Books and the Leaf Lounge can be conveyed separately.
City staff told the board the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requires a minimum 25-foot lot width for newly created parcels in the Central Business District, but the two existing storefront buildings measure roughly 13.5 feet and about 17 feet wide and predate the UDO standards. Staff said narrow pedestrian-oriented storefronts are common in the central business area and that subdivision to match the existing building footprints would not alter utilities or public-safety conditions.
Patrick Ford, appearing for the property owner Coffee Enterprises LLC, said the subdivision would improve marketability and promote owner-occupied businesses downtown. Owner Dr. John Keith spoke briefly; Ford added that each building already has separate utilities and entrances and that the request simply creates separate parcel records for existing conditions.
Board member Mr. Poston moved to approve the variance, offering written findings of fact that the request reflects the historic pattern of narrow storefronts, would not harm public safety or the character of the district, and that literal enforcement of the UDO would create unnecessary hardship. Miss Singley seconded the motion. The board voted to approve the variance; the chair announced the motion carried and the variance was approved.
Staff noted the application is intended to permit separate conveyance of the two stores and that similar narrow lot splits exist in Florence's CBD and other downtown areas. The record includes the property tax map number and the applicant's materials submitted for the hearing.
