Board approves expansion of nonconforming multifamily use under Article 17.1

The City Board of Zoning Appeals approved an application to permit the extension of an existing multifamily use in an R‑3 zoning district by converting existing laundry rooms into additional dwelling units.

Staff explained this is not a variance based on hardship but an expansion of a nonconforming use under Article 17.1. The property, developed between 1969 and 1985, was originally permitted under prior zoning that allowed multifamily structures; a 2020 recode changed the parcel’s zoning to R‑N‑3, which no longer allows the multifamily use. The applicant submitted responses addressing factors a through h in Article 17.1 to demonstrate compliance for an expansion of a nonconforming use.

Staff and the board reviewed the applicant’s responses and supporting materials. The board found the submission met the ordinance’s requirements for an expansion in this case and approved the request.

The approval permits the property owner to convert laundry rooms into dwelling units consistent with the Article 17.1 findings; building permits and other development regulations still apply.