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ZBA grapples with townhouse definition and density rules for R-6 site
Summary
Board members debated whether the existing five-unit structure counts as 'townhouses' under the code and reviewed lot-area and floor-area-ratio standards before concluding the R‑6 zone allows townhouse and multifamily variations; planning staff cited lot-area-per-dwelling rules.
Board members and staff probed the zoning code's use of the term "townhouse" and whether the existing converted mansion's five units should be counted when applying the "townhouses per acre" limit. The discussion drew on code citations, the bulk table submitted by the applicant, and a city code section (5.75-27) addressing lot area per dwelling unit.
Planning consultant Liz Axelson and the applicant examined the code and concluded the regulation appears to be ambiguous in places; Lot area-based calculations (2,000 sq ft per dwelling unit) suggest the site could support far more units by the numeric lot-area test, and the board noted that floor-area ratio (FAR) and building coverage are additional controlling measures. The ZBA said these code nuances informed a flexible, context-based view of whether the requested variance created a "material conflict" with the comprehensive plan and zoning regulations.
