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Planning commission backs rezoning of 302 West Bruce Street to R-8 with sidewalk proffers
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended City Council approve rezoning 302 West Bruce Street from R-2 to R-8; the applicant proffered sidewalk easements on adjacent frontages and a prohibition on permanent structures within dedicated sidewalk areas.
The Harrisonburg Planning Commission on May 14 unanimously recommended City Council approve rezoning 302 West Bruce Street from R-2 to R-8. The property owner told the commission the change will make the existing dwelling conforming to lot-size rules in the R-8 district after interior renovations increase the dwelling’s bedroom count.
Why it matters: Under R-2 the property required a larger minimum lot area for a single-family home; rezoning to R-8 reduces minimum lot-size requirements and would make the existing unit conforming. The applicant proffered four commitments intended to preserve space for sidewalks and to prevent permanent structures from blocking future right-of-way dedications.
Staff summary and applicant statements Staff said the property is designated neighborhood residential in the comprehensive plan and that, given the parcel size and proposed proffers, rezoning to R-8 is consistent with the land-use designation. The proffers include dedicating sidewalk easements along Academy Street and Bruce Street upon completion of required plats and a proffer that would prohibit permanent structures within those easement areas so future sidewalk construction would not be obstructed.
The property owner, Paul Reiner, told the commission he purchased the house to renovate it (adding an accessible bedroom and bathroom on the first floor) and intends to sell the home when work is complete; he said the rezoning would make the parcel conforming to current R-8 lot-size rules.
Action taken and next steps Council Member Dent moved to recommend approval with the applicant’s proffers; Vice Chair Finnegan seconded. The commission’s roll-call vote was unanimous. The item will proceed to City Council with a favorable recommendation for the Council meeting scheduled June 10.
Ending If City Council adopts the rezoning and the applicant records proffered easements, future sidewalk construction would be possible along the subject property without additional dedications.
