The Greenwood Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously Nov. 10 to approve a development-standards variance for 357 Euclid Ave, allowing the property owner to expand the building without meeting the unified development ordinance’s 75% masonry front-facade requirement. The board’s action was tied to two staff conditions on exterior materials and plan conformity.

The petitioner said the building, which currently houses a café, needs an addition to create a larger kitchen for a new business and that complying with the 75% masonry requirement would be cost-prohibitive. The petitioner confirmed the seating area will not change and that the expansion will remove the existing 30-seat wood deck at the rear. "The expansion we’re talking about is to create a larger kitchen space," the petitioner said.

City planning staff recommended approval with conditions intended to preserve Old Town character. Staff asked that all exterior materials be fiber cement siding or similar products such as hardy plank and that building plans substantially conform to the exhibits submitted with the application. "Part of the Old Town requirement is so that existing buildings can maintain their character," staff said in recommending approval with conditions.

Board members asked about alternative siding materials and how the addition would be finished so it does not read as an obvious addition. The petitioner said the intent is to remove the existing vinyl and redo the entire building facade so it looks consistent. The board explicitly asked staff to review samples of any newer products the applicant proposes.

The board first admitted all evidence into the record — including notices, maps, photos, the staff report and testimony — then voted to approve the variance with the two conditions. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Moll and seconded by Miss Peters. The board also directed corporation counsel to draft written findings of fact incorporating the staff report and evidence; the final written findings and final action will be adopted at the board’s next meeting.

No member of the board registered opposition at the hearing, and the vote was 5-0 in favor. The applicant was cleared to proceed in coordination with staff during the interim.