Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infill Demolition 32520 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves redesigned 32520 Ninth Avenue project after neighbor objections; fourth floor removed
Summary
After extensive public comment about neighborhood impacts and requests for story poles, the commission approved the conditional use authorization for 32520 Ninth Avenue on the condition the proposed fourth‑floor massing be eliminated; vote was unanimous 7‑0.
The commission approved a conditional use authorization for a redevelopment proposal at 32520 Ninth Avenue after hearing competing claims about structural soundness, neighborhood character and the project's fourth floor.
Planning staff said the sponsor had reduced the proposed height (from 39 feet to 36.5 feet) and scaled back the fourth floor and roof deck. The project sponsor said the existing building was severely deteriorated and that demolition and replacement with two family‑sized dwellings would maximize permitted residential density and provide multigenerational housing.
Neighbors told commissioners the new fourth floor would tower over adjacent cottages, reduce light to gardens and dining rooms, and change the block’s character; they asked for story‑pole demonstrations to better see the massing. Commissioners discussed the value of story poles but noted they are not required by code. Several commissioners said they were troubled by the appearance and the upper‑level layout but recognized the project met code. The commission approved a motion to permit the project with the fourth floor removed; the motion passed unanimously, 7‑0.
The approval included the design revisions presented to the commission and took account of the sponsor’s commitment to provide structural and safety work; the matter will now proceed to building permit processing and any required DBI safety verification processes.
