Commission recommends attached townhomes at East South Cork despite parking concerns

The Winchester City Planning Commission on April 15 recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit CUP-25-145 to allow construction of two attached townhomes at 10 East South Cork Street in the limited high-density residential (HR‑1) district.

City staff explained the application would result in two attached townhomes, each three bedrooms, and that the zoning ordinance requires two off-street parking spaces per unit for townhomes. Staff said the proposed plan showed two double-wide driveway aprons for each parcel, similar to older duplexes on nearby Hart Street, and described alternatives such as a single driveway with rear parking. Staff noted they found no procedural route to waive parking requirements except through the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).

Several commissioners expressed concern about front-yard parking adjacent to a school and the safety of students walking to school. Commissioner Piper said he worried about a “sea of asphalt” in front yards and the safety implications for children. Commissioner Decker and others noted that BZA could be pursued for a parking waiver, and that future text amendments could address parking standards; staff noted some recent text amendments already allow a usable garage to count as one required space when performance standards are met.

A resident, Bill Hundorf of Hart Street, spoke during public comment about how on‑street parking is heavily used at school arrival and dismissal times and expressed safety concerns.

Despite concerns, commissioners emphasized the land use was acceptable; the motion recommended approval subject to administrative minor subdivision approval, administrative site plan approval, and general conformity with submitted site plan and floor plans. The motion carried.