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Commission approves conversion of 660 Walnut Lane to four multifamily units, flags parking and ADA issues
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a special use permit for 660 Walnut Lane to convert the existing building into four three-bedroom units; staff said the proposal aligns with the comprehensive plan but noted parking dimensions, ADA spaces and a shared-parking agreement must be resolved.
The Harrisonburg Planning Commission on Jan. 14 approved a special use permit that will allow the conversion of 660 Walnut Lane into four three-bedroom multifamily units.
Staff presented a history of the property: in 2023 staff determined the dwelling was over-occupied under R3 rules and issued a notice of violation; a prior request for boarding/rooming-house status was denied by City Council. The current application proposes four three-bedroom units; under the R3 district standard, three-bedroom units require 2.5 parking spaces each, meaning the development would need 10 parking spaces in total. The applicant's plan shows required spaces on the property and additional spaces at 635 South Main Street; staff said a recorded shared-parking agreement with 665 South Main Street (as shown in the applicant's materials) will be required to meet standards.
Applicant representative Weston Bays (Matchbox) said the property manager intends to install a sprinkler system, perform interior/exterior inspections and manage the property to prevent overcrowding. Resident Roberta McCorkle spoke in support of the redevelopment, calling the proposal a responsible reuse of a historic house and praising the developer's investment in infrastructure.
Commissioners discussed parking geometry and the city's design and construction standards manual (DCSM), including required space dimensions and the need to provide ADA-accessible parking (staff noted the current drawing does not show required ADA spaces). Staff also noted that building permits and zoning review will evaluate the parking plan and DCSM compliance during the permit process. The commission approved the SUP per staff presentation by roll-call vote and will forward a favorable recommendation to City Council.
The commission's approval includes the understanding that a shared-parking agreement, acccounting for ADA spaces and a conforming parking plan will be completed as part of the permitting and building-permit review process.
