Development News for Decatur, Alabama

Landscaping Variance Approved for Parking Deck with Conditions

The Board of Zoning Adjustments heard a variance request concerning landscaping for a parking deck project at 431 Holly Street Northeast. The applicant, Pewight Menali representing the City of Decatur, sought exemptions from requirements for foundation landscaping (southern side adjacent to alley), off-street parking perimeter landscaping, and off-street interior landscaping. Staff noted that the purpose of landscaping regulations includes softening visual impact, enhancing pedestrian character, and improving aesthetics. The applicant proposed providing foundation landscaping on the western side (adjacent to 4th Avenue), northern side, and eastern side, with an exemption for the southern side along the alley. The board approved the variance with the condition that foundation landscaping be provided on the west, north, and east sides.

Board Approves Zero Setback Variance for Holly Street Parking Garage

The Board of Zoning Adjustments considered a variance request for a parking garage at 431 Holly Street Northeast. The primary request was for a variance on front and rear setbacks, allowing zero feet instead of the required 25 feet for the front and 20 feet for the rear. The applicant, Pew Right Menali on behalf of the City of Decatur, argued that site constraints necessitated the zero setback. The board also discussed a related request for the vacation of Holly Street, which would impact the northeast side of the parking deck. The applicant clarified that the street vacation would be phased and would not negatively affect traffic flow for Regions Bank, which has existing access points. The board ultimately approved the variance for the setbacks.

Storage Container Business Incubator Approved for Temporary Use

The Board of Zoning Adjustments approved a variance for a retrofitted storage container serving as a small business shop, known as a 'small box shop,' located at 208-B 2nd Avenue. The structure, awarded to the City of Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority through grants from Main Street Alabama and USDA rural programs, is intended as a mobile vendor incubator. It is to remain at the specific location for one year, relieving it from the daily relocation requirement typically applied to mobile vendors. The applicant, Kelly Thomas of the Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority, explained that the structure is difficult to classify under current zoning and that similar programs have successfully helped small businesses transition to brick-and-mortar locations. The board approved the variance with a condition that the applicant resubmit after one year.