University District commission continues review of completed parking pad at 1501–1507 Michigan Ave.

The University District Commission on Feb. 27 voted to continue consideration of an after-the-fact application for a rear parking pad at 1501–1507 Michigan Avenue, after staff recommended more landscaping and a reduction in paved area.

The commission’s staff presentation said the paved rear yard contains four parking spaces, is double-stacked and provides about 9.86% landscaped open space behind the principal structure. The University District Plan recommends lower-intensity residential uses and suggests preserving 20% of the rear lot as landscaped open space, though staff noted the zoning code’s 10% standard and described the proposal as inconsistent with plan guidance.

An applicant who identified themself during the meeting said they had hired a contractor who did not complete the permitting process and that the contractor later became unresponsive. The applicant said they will remove gravel and install plantings and that they are learning the permitting process in their recent role as a property manager.

Commissioners and staff discussed options to bring the site closer to plan recommendations, including removing a portion of the slab (several commissioners referenced removing about 7 to 11 feet at the end of the pad), reshaping the area so walks remain accessible, and adding landscaping beds and trees where feasible. Staff recommended continuing the application to allow the applicant time to submit a landscaping plan showing revised paving and planting.

The commission then voted to continue the application to the next meeting and specified that the applicant must submit a site drawing showing the modified parking pad, the concrete to be cut out (applicants were told to indicate how much concrete would be removed), removal of gravel and the planting plan (shrubs/trees/grass). In discussion the commission also asked that the applicant leave a small area clear for stairs and pathways when removing concrete.

Motion and vote: A motion to continue the application was made by Mr. Snanski and seconded by Mr. Reeves. The roll call recorded Fleming, Parker, Reeves, Sublette, Smith and Menard voting yes; the motion carried.

The applicant will return with a revised, hand-drawn or drafted site plan showing the proposed cut-out, the proposed plant species/locations and any remaining paved access. Staff noted Certificate of Appropriateness approvals are valid for one year, giving the applicant time to submit and implement the plan.

Proposed next steps include submission of the revised site plan and landscape sketch before the next hearing date; the commission will review the updated materials at that hearing.

Ending: The commission’s decision was procedural — it continued the item to allow a landscaping plan and a clarified paving reduction to be submitted and reviewed rather than granting a permit or variance at the Feb. 27 meeting.