Willows planning commission continues decision on variance request to convert 510 Westwood from commercial to residential

The Willows Planning Commission continued action on a request to change the use of 510 Westwood Street from commercial to single‑family residential after extensive public comment and a split commission discussion.

City planner Delaney Garlic told the commission the application — variance 25‑01 — sought permission to convert an existing commercial office building constructed in 1978 to residential use in the city’s Entryway zoning district. Garlic explained staff reviewed the request under the municipal code, concluded the property does not qualify for the code’s existing nonconforming use exemptions, and recommended denial. "Staff recommends that the planning commission deny the request for the variance based on us not being able to make the findings," Garlic said.

The staff analysis cited two separate sets of findings applicants must meet for a use‑change variance: (1) legal findings for a change of use (including that the change will not alter the character of the area and that the hardship is not self‑created) and (2) the standard variance findings in the zoning code (exceptional circumstances, unnecessary hardship from strict…