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Commission recommends rezoning and concept plan for Commerce 5 site, with conditions including structural analysis
Summary
The commission recommended City Council rezone 23250 Chagrin Boulevard to U3C and endorsed a concept development plan for three interconnected multifamily buildings (~180 units) with a 10‑foot height variance, subject to a structural analysis of the existing garage and a stipulation that the approved concept reflect new construction.
The Beachwood Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend that City Council rezone 23250 Chagrin Boulevard (Commerce 5) from U7A (general office) to U3C (multifamily) and to forward a concept development plan, attaching stipulations including a 10‑foot height variance and a requirement for a structural analysis of the existing garage prior to final site plan approval.
Applicant representatives described a three‑building, interconnected residential scheme totaling about 180 units and roughly 174,000 square feet. Architect Ron Tannenbaum said the developer is requesting a height variance to allow up to 75 feet (10 feet above the U3C limit) to reduce the site footprint and provide more green space and higher interior ceilings. Planning staff (Mr. Smarrigan) and fire department representatives raised access and garage‑structural issues they expect to see resolved prior to final approval; Smarrigan recommended that the commission include stipulations requiring a finding of practical difficulty for the height variance, the 10‑foot variance itself, a structural analysis of the existing garage, and that the project be new construction as represented in the concept plan.
Commissioners extensively questioned unit mix, parking counts (applicant proposes 274 spaces, 178 in garage), phasing and whether all three buildings would be built together. Applicants said phasing was planned but they expect the northern and central buildings to be constructed sequentially and that the southern building could be deferred without changing the planning findings. Commissioners discussed how a rezoning removes some site‑specific controls compared with a conditional use; staff suggested exploring a development agreement with the administration and council for additional assurances about phasing and amenities. Commissioner Hecht moved to recommend approval of P&Z item 2024‑47 with four stipulations including the height variance and a requirement that the buildings be new construction; the motion passed on a recorded vote and will be forwarded to Council as a recommendation with the concept development plan.
