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Planning commission approves special exception to add photo studio on Old Taylor Road
Summary
The Oxford Planning Commission approved a special exception allowing a photo studio and small office at an Old Taylor Road property, finding the change would reduce an existing retail nonconformity; staff recommended approval with conditions and noted a 10-space parking requirement and site-plan review.
The Oxford Planning Commission voted to approve a special exception for a property on Old Taylor Road that would allow a photo studio and associated office space to operate alongside an existing retail use.
Staff planner James presented the application from Anne Marie Wyatt, saying the 0.25-acre site is north of The Mark condominiums and that the proposed mix of uses would reduce an existing legal nonconforming retail use. ‘‘Because the change in use is going to reduce the amount of that nonconformity, then staff supports the mix of use as proposed,’’ James said. Staff’s recommendation included five conditions and noted the change will require site-plan review and the provision of 10 parking spaces to meet code.
Chair (calling the meeting) asked for clarification about the nonconformity, observing, “So the nonconformity is on a glide path to conformity. Is that what we're doing?” James replied, “We're working on that.” After brief discussion and no public comments, a commissioner moved to approve the special exception subject to staff conditions; the motion passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: the decision lets the property change from a primarily retail use toward a mixed retail–studio configuration while preserving the existing retail that keeps the site legal as a nonconforming use. The requirement for a site plan and parking formalizes operating and circulation expectations.
Next steps: the applicant must complete required site-plan submittal and satisfy the five staff conditions specified in the staff report before final permits are issued.
