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Board approves conditional use permit and variance for Sky View Terrace Apartments
Summary
The board voted 4-0 to approve a conditional use permit and a variance allowing Sky View Terrace Apartments to remain at its existing density so the owner can pursue rehabilitation funding; staff found most variance criteria met but not unique physical hardship.
The board voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit and a variance for Sky View Terrace Apartments, allowing the 48-unit complex to remain at its existing density so the owner can seek state rehabilitation funds.
City staff member Carolyn told the board the apartment complex at 500 Sky View Terrace was built in 1987 and sits in an R10 medium-density residential district where multifamily housing is only permitted by conditional use. "The existing development contains 48 units on approximately 4 acres resulting in a density of roughly 12.12 dwelling units per acre," Carolyn said, noting the zoning standard allows about 4.4 units per acre. Staff recommended approval of the conditional use permit and the variance, subject to conditions.
Applicant Charles Ramsey said the permit and variance are needed to make the property conforming ahead of planned rehabilitation and to qualify for funding. "The conditional use permit is requested because the property is... a multifamily development that's operating in a R10 medium density residential district," Ramsey said, adding the goal is to rehabilitate the development and secure funds similar to work already underway at a nearby complex, Robin Hood.
Carolyn summarized staff's review of the variance under the city zoning ordinance's criteria, saying staff did not find the unique physical hardship criterion satisfied because the request stems from existing development conditions rather than a physical constraint, but that eight of the nine criteria were otherwise met. Staff recommended the board grant the conditional use permit and variance while limiting approvals to properties with a higher density that predate the R10 zoning.
Board members asked whether the approvals would permit further interior rehabs without returning to the board. Carolyn and Ramsey said the approvals would not authorize future increases in unit count without further approvals. Ramsey added that the planned work would not increase the total number of dwelling units; rehabilitation would include converting ten two-bedroom units to three-bedroom units by adding approximately 120 square feet to each of those units.
A motion to approve the conditional use permit, including a provision tying similar allowances to properties that had higher density before the R10 zoning, passed on a 4-0 roll call. The board then separately moved and approved the variance by the same 4-0 vote.
The approvals allow the applicant to seek the necessary building permits and to pursue rehabilitation funding programs (the applicant referenced USDA's 515 rural development program). City staff noted the approvals are tailored to the existing site footprint and do not authorize an increase in unit count or site expansion.
The community development director later briefed the board on required training and scheduling; the meeting adjourned without additional action on Sky View Terrace.
