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Council approves rezoning for proposed three-story multifamily project despite planning commission aesthetic concerns
Summary
Council approved a rezoning to R6 for a proposed three-story, roughly 14-unit multifamily building (estimated cost $3,000,000). The planning commission voted to deny based on aesthetics; planning staff recommended approval and the council voted in favor.
The Lancaster City Council voted to approve a zoning change to R6 for a proposed three-story multifamily development located near Mount Pleasant Avenue and Chesterfield Avenue, authorizing a project the staff described as roughly 14 units with 3- and 2-bedroom layouts and an estimated development cost of $3,000,000.
At the June 3 planning commission public hearing, a majority of commission members expressed concern that the building's design did not sufficiently match the historical aesthetic of nearby homes and recommended denial. At the council meeting a planning staff member said staff did not concur with the commission's recommendation and urged the council to approve the request. The staff presentation cited packet materials and renderings and noted that the property is currently zoned R-10 (single-family/residence) and that the applicant proposed a larger multifamily structure in the R6 category.
The applicant's representative described the site context, plans to preserve mature trees and provide a 10-foot screening buffer, and a strategy of placing parking to the rear to reduce street-facing massing. An architect with OVA Architecture described using porches, traditional windows, wood siding and rooflines intended to help the building blend with the street and maintain similar street-facing width to neighboring houses even though the building will be taller.
Council members discussed the city's lack of an architectural overlay code and the anticipated demand for downtown housing linked to nearby hospital-related growth. After discussion the council moved the ordinance and took roll-call votes; council members present voted to approve the rezoning to R6.
The record shows the planning commission's denial, staff's recommendation for approval, the applicant's design presentation and the council's affirmative vote. The council did not adopt any specific design amendments at this meeting.
