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Planning board approves rezoning for conversion of former UNMC office to four apartments
Summary
The board approved rezoning of 521 S. 38th Ave from R4.35 to TOD2 MUR and repealed the ACI overlay after the architect explained an interior-only conversion to four one‑bedroom units and staff confirmed TOD contains equivalent design standards.
The Omaha Planning Board voted unanimously to rezone 521 South 38th Avenue from R4.35 to TOD2 MUR and to repeal the ACI overlay district, clearing the way for a proposed conversion of a former UNMC office building into four one‑bedroom apartments.
The applicant, architect Mark Sanford, described the project as an interior remodel only "converting the building into 4 apartments" with no exterior changes and indicated the building already contains sprinklers and two garage spaces. Neighbor Karen Olsen questioned how four apartments would fit in the structure and raised parking concerns, saying she’d observed very little parking use when the building housed offices. Sanford said the building has a garage with two spaces and driveway parking and that he discussed requirements with the Planning Department.
Assistant Planning Director Eric (staff) explained that rezoning to TOD automatically repeals an existing ACI overlay where standards overlap: "anytime we rezone to TOD, if there's an existing ACI overlay, we repeal that because it's redundant." He and other staff recommended approval. After discussion about sidewalk connections and whether a building permit may trigger sidewalk work, the board approved the rezoning and repeal 7–0.
What happens next: The rezoning now advances per the normal process; final building permits or other approvals may still be required for construction and any sidewalk or public‑works coordination noted by staff.
