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Salina Planning Commission approves accessory dwelling at former Abner’s Auto building
Summary
The commission approved a conditional-use permit allowing a small first-floor accessory dwelling in the former Abner’s Auto building to support short-term stays by visiting educators for the Garage museum. Staff said the project meets C-4 zoning requirements and recommended approval with a condition that construction conform to the plans on file.
The Salina Planning Commission on an Oct./Nov. meeting approved a conditional-use permit to allow a first-floor accessory dwelling in the former Abner’s Auto building at the southwest corner of Iron and Fourth streets, permitting a small unit intended to house visiting instructors for the Garage museum.
Planning staff said the Abner’s Auto building, originally constructed in 1931 and associated with a historic Champlain Oil sign, would be connected to the Garage museum and receive interior and exterior renovations including brick repair, window and exterior lighting replacement, roof repairs and interior work to accommodate the proposed temporary dwelling. Staff noted the Downtown Design Review Board and the Heritage Commission previously approved the exterior changes and sign restoration.
Dustin, a planning staff member, said the property is in the C-4 central business district, which allows 100% lot coverage and typically does not require setbacks or off-street parking. He added that city code requires a conditional-use permit when a dwelling is located on the first floor in downtown. “Staff’s recommendation would be number 2, which would be to approve the proposed conditional use permit with a condition,” Dustin said, recommending that construction and use substantially conform to the plans on file with the planning department.
Architect Charles Renz of Jones Gillum Renz Architects described the residential portion as a small area at the north end of the building, noting the project retains an existing kitchenette and will enlarge and improve the second-floor bathroom to provide accessibility for short-term residential use. “The intent is that bathroom would be shared by both the use of that building and any kind of residential use,” Renz said.
The planning commission moved and seconded the staff-recommended approval. The motion passed and the chair announced the motion carries.
The conditional-use approval includes the staff condition requiring substantial conformity to the submitted plans; a certificate of appropriateness and a certificate of compatibility from the Heritage Commission and Downtown Design Review Board, respectively, were noted during the presentation. The commission did not add other special conditions during the motion.
