TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Zoning Commission
FROM: Demetrios Moutos - Planner I
DATE: February 11, 2025
RE: A25-02: Variance Request - Accessory Building Size at 118 Johnson Street
COUNCIL DISTRICT: 4 - D.J. Haire
Relationship to Strategic Plan:
* Goal 2: A Responsive City Government Driving Economic Diversity and Sustainability
o Objective 2.1: Strengthen and diversify the City's tax base.
* Goal 4: A Thriving, Livable Community
o Objective 4.5: Foster vibrant, well-connected neighborhoods.
Executive Summary
The applicant, Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, represented by Alex Parham, seeks a variance from City Code Section 30-3.E.5, which limits accessory structures to the lesser of 1,500 square feet or 30% of allowable lot coverage. The request proposes a 2,400-square-foot accessory building to secure the Church's vans and other belongings, exceeding the current size restriction.
Property Information
* Address: 118 Johnson Street
* Owner: Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church
* Applicant: Alex Parham
* Zoning: CC (Community Commercial) and MR5 (Mixed Residential 5)
* Existing Use: Religious Institution
* Parcel Size: ?5.39 acres
Surrounding Zoning & Land Uses
* North (across Johnson St.) - SF6 (Single-Family 6), single-family housing
* South/Southwest (4926 Bragg Blvd.) - MR5 (Mixed Residential 5), adjoining Church property
* East (across Bickett St.) - MR5 (Mixed Residential 5), apartments
* West (4938 Bragg Blvd.) - CC (Community Commercial), vacant
Issues & Analysis
Variance Request Overview
The applicant is requesting a variance from Section 30-3.E.5 Note 2 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which limits accessory structures to the lesser of 1,500 square feet or 30% of lot coverage. The proposed 2,400-square-foot structure exceeds these limits.
Factors for Consideration
* Ordinance Compliance: The variance exceeds prescribed size limits for accessory structures. The commission must determine if this request aligns with t...
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