TRC approves final development plan supporting zone change for 400 Chestnut Street building

The Technical Review Committee approved a final development plan for MJDP25-28 (Block LLC) at 400 Chestnut Street, supporting the applicant’s requested zone change from R-3 to B-1. The plan depicts an existing structure on the corner of Chestnut Street and Fourth Street with no proposed exterior changes.

Staff listed standard approval conditions and sign-offs from engineering, traffic, landscaping, addressing, urban forestry, environmental quality, bike/ped, green space, fire, waste management and the division of water quality’s capacity assurance program. Staff also required a written scale, north-oriented vicinity map, depiction of contour lines at two-foot intervals, depiction of doors on the existing structure and the building height in feet. Staff said a tree inventory and tree protection plan must be provided as an exhibit (Article 26).

A planning staff member asked the applicant to resolve an open-space calculation: a fenced backyard area currently counted as open space does not have an accessible connection, so staff asked the applicant to demonstrate access or revise the open-space calculation. The applicant said he would rework the square footage and provide access or correct the submission.

Staff recommended approval with conditions; a TRC member moved approval and the motion passed by voice vote. Staff noted that any future changes to buildings, paving, signs, fences or retaining walls will require separate building-permit review by the division of building inspection.