Commission approves subdivision on Gladstone Street with conditions including removal of cabana shed

The City Plan Commission approved a two‑lot subdivision at 199 Gladstone Street in the Laurel Hill neighborhood and granted variances for undersized lots and frontage, subject to two conditions: removal of an existing cabana shed and the applicant ensuring each lot meets or exceeds off‑street parking requirements.

Attorney Dylan Conley told the commission the proposal returns the property to its historic plat pattern by subdividing an existing 10,000‑square‑foot lot into two 5,000‑square‑foot lots. "If you look at the zoom out of the original plat map, there's almost all 5,000 square foot lots," Conley said. He said the applicant would remove the cabana garage at the councilman's request and that the site can meet parking requirements.

Planning staff recommended approval of the subdivision and variances. Staff noted the proposal yields a density consistent with the surrounding area under the comprehensive plan and that the proposed lots would be outside flood zones with no known rare species on site. Staff also advised that Lot 132 was being approved specifically for a single‑family dwelling; the applicant would need to return if a two‑family structure were proposed.

Councilman Andy Hall submitted written support and suggested the applicant add green space; he told the commission the applicant agreed to work with neighbors on parking. Commissioners asked about a modest retaining wall that crosses the proposed lot line; staff and the city engineer said the wall is roughly six inches high and does not perform a structural retention function. The engineer said an easement could be used if the owner chose to preserve the wall across lots.

Commissioners adopted the staff recommendation and approved the variance and the subdivision. Commissioner Lamphere moved approval of the subdivision with the two conditions; the motion passed on a voice vote.