Board grants variance for Oaklandon Road art gallery with petitioner‑use commitment

The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously granted a use‑variance on July 24 that will allow Alice Bettis to operate an art gallery and small‑group studio in a D5‑zoned building on Oaklandon Road. The board approved the petition with a recorded commitment limiting the variance to Bettis and her described gallery/studio use.

Bettis told the board she plans limited public hours early on, private lessons and small classes rather than large nightly programs, and hopes the gallery will support local and visiting artists. “Initially, I’m not looking at much traffic at all,” Bettis said, describing afternoon classes and occasional Friday evening openings for gallery viewings.

City staff supported the petition. Renee Raflow, Director of Public Works, said the gallery/studio fits the city’s comprehensive plan for that corridor as a low‑impact, walkable commercial use that generates limited customer traffic; staff recommended approval with the petitioner‑use commitment to control future changes of ownership or differing uses. The board required the standard written commitment that will be recorded as part of the deed.

Board members asked about parking (the petitioner said 12 on‑site spaces are part of the sale), hours of operation, and whether the sale was contingent on the variance; Bettis confirmed the buyer’s closing was scheduled for July 28 and that the purchase was contingent on the variance. With the recorded commitment in place, the board moved to a unanimous vote to grant the variance.

Next steps: the petitioner will record the written commitment and pursue any building or occupancy permits required for the gallery and studio.