Planning & Zoning Commission
Aug 11, 2026
The lede
- Commission unanimously approved a variance to allow reconstruction of a garage at 410 Highland Street with a reduced side yard setback of 2.5 feet (3.5-foot variance) due to the property’s substandard lot width.
- Commission approved 6–1 a special use permit for video gaming and on-site alcohol consumption at a 7-Eleven at 707 Logan Avenue, with conditions including restricted gaming area, accessibility barriers, and parking lot improvements.
- Residents expressed concerns about intoxication and littering near the 7-Eleven and potential impacts on children, though testimony suggested most issues occur during daytime.
- Staff reported 18 gaming establishments approved within a half-mile of the 7-Eleven, with only 9 currently operating; the city now has 35 gaming licenses issued out of a 50-establishment cap.
Decisions & votes
Case 2026-17 (410 Highland Street Variance):
Approved 7–0 to grant a variance reducing the required side yard setback from 6 feet to 2.5 feet to allow reconstruction of an attached garage. The property has a substandard lot width (58 feet vs. required 65 feet), making standard setbacks difficult to meet. The garage will be rebuilt in the same footprint as the existing structure.
Case 2026-18 (7-Eleven Video Gaming Special Use):
Approved 6–1 (Gnewuch voted no) to grant a special use permit for indoor commercial entertainment (video gaming and on-site alcohol consumption) at 707 Logan Avenue. Approval is subject to 8 conditions including: gaming restricted to designated ~100 sq ft area, solid wall barrier minimum 4 feet high with controlled access, pavement striping and ADA compliance, health department requirements, and compliance with all building/fire/health codes.
Minutes approval:
July 14, 2026 minutes approved 7–0.
Discussion items
Case 2026-17 (Highland Street garage): The property was originally developed with a detached garage that became attached over time through shared roofing and siding. The lot is substandard in width (58 feet vs. 65-foot requirement), reducing buildable area. Reconstructing the garage within standard setbacks would require relocating it behind the residence, likely exceeding the 50% maximum lot coverage. Staff noted many SR-6 properties have similar one-car garages, and the variance grants no special privilege. No opposition was raised.
Case 2026-18 (7-Eleven gaming): Significant public concern was expressed about existing issues with intoxicated individuals and littering in the residential area near the 7-Eleven, though residents could not confirm the source of alcohol. Staff clarified that Neighborhood Business District zoning restricts operating hours to 6 a.m.–11 p.m., limiting gaming hours despite the store’s 24/7 operations. The applicant confirmed only packaged alcohol would be served for on-site consumption (no mixed drinks/bar), with ID checking systems in place. Gaming area will be approximately 100 square feet (less than 5% of building), separated by a wall from the general store to prevent minor access. Commission discussed whether density of gaming establishments (18 approved, 9 operating within ½ mile) could justify denial; City Attorney noted denial would be difficult to defend legally. Concerns were raised about children frequenting the store.
General gaming context: Staff provided a comprehensive list showing 70 requested gaming special uses citywide, with 67 approved, 35 licenses currently issued, 23 expired, 4 in permitting, 5 temporarily closed, 2 denied, and 1 pending (this application). City limit is 50 gaming establishments.
Financial / operational notes
No content.