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Commission approves conversion of large vacant house at 141 Castillo into six units after neighborhood backing
Summary
Commissioners approved changing zoning at 141 Castillo Avenue to permit six dwelling units in an existing large house (IDZ2), weighing neighborhood support, preservation aims and parking access; staff had recommended a lower-density alternative (IDZ1 for four units).
The Zoning Commission recommended approval of a plan to convert a vacant large house at 141 Castillo Avenue into six dwelling units, voting to support an IDZ2 zoning request after neighborhood outreach and conditional assurances about parking.
Staff advised denial of the IDZ2 request and suggested an alternate IDZ1 designation (four units), noting that the surrounding area’s base zoning generally limits density to four units per property. Applicant Ricardo Torreviades said the building historically contained six units, had been vacant since about 2021, and that the renovation will add six rear parking spaces accessed from the alley.
Jeffrey Hunt, president of the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association, called in to say his association conditionally supports the rezoning provided the owner adds six parking spaces behind the house with alley access to eliminate curbside parking. "Our support is conditional with his assurance that he will provide at least 6 parking spots behind the house with alley entrance," Hunt said.
Commissioners debated plan consistency with the recent Southeast Community Area Plan and the planning commission's pending review, but several members cited preservation of the existing structure and neighborhood agreement as reasons to approve the higher-density request. The case will go to the Planning Commission and then City Council as part of the standard review process.
