Commission backs variance to allow separate units at two Linton Street buildings

The Woodstock Planning Commission unanimously recommended that City Council approve a variance permitting the two residential floors of each mixed‑use building at 64 and 68 Linton Street to be deeded as separate units rather than a single unit, provided historic overlay requirements remain in force.

Staff explained the three largely identical mixed‑use buildings along Linton Street sit in the downtown central business district within the historic overlay. The site plans were drawn so the two upper floors could function independently, but the historic overlay limited each building to a single residential unit unless a variance were granted. A similar request for 60 Linton Street was approved the prior year.

Staff and the Development Process Committee recommended approval with the same conditions used for the earlier case: allow a maximum of two residential units and require compliance with the historic overlay’s design standards. Commissioners and staff discussed parking implications: updated downtown parking code changes reduced commercial parking requirements and the development’s existing on‑site and public parking were judged adequate to meet residential needs. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval; the item will proceed to City Council for final action.

Speakers quoted or paraphrased in this article are drawn from the meeting record and are attributed to the speakers listed below.