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Planning commission approves Grace Space expansion to 25 residents
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Summary
The Lincoln Planning Commission approved a special permit amendment allowing The Grace Space (1740 Superior St.) to expand from 16 to 25 residents, with commissioners noting parking and size concerns but finding the request meets R‑3 density rules.
The Lincoln Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve Special Permit 1573C, amending the special permit for The Grace Space at 1740 Superior Street to increase the facility's licensed capacity to 25 residents.
Ben Callahan of Planning and Development Services summarized the request, saying the lot is roughly 51,000 square feet, which by the R‑3 density calculation supports up to 25 residents. He told the commission the site plan shows 19 parking spaces while the code requires 13, and that staff recommended several site improvements including removing nonconforming front‑yard parking and adding an emergency vehicle turnaround.
Applicant representatives said the expansion is largely a density adjustment rather than a change of use. Nate Burnett of RIG Engineering said the team is not requesting waivers and is bringing a roughly 4,500‑square‑foot addition. Kelly Spire, co‑owner and executive director of The Grace Space, said the facility specializes in hospice and end‑of‑life care, currently serves about 14 residents at a time, has employed roughly 24 people and has served more than 230 residents and family members since opening: “We currently serve 14 residents at a time, and we specialize in hospice and end of life care.”
Commissioners asked how family visitation and parking patterns might change. One commissioner said they supported the application but remained concerned about where a cap should be set for residential health care facilities; another said the proposal met the city's zoning requirements. After closing the public hearing, the commission approved the special permit amendment by roll call, 5–0. The action is final and is appealable to City Council within the 14‑day period specified in the meeting procedures.
The decision includes the conditions reviewed in the staff report (parking configuration to meet front‑yard setback, emergency turnaround and erosion control as shown in the submittal).
