The property owner of the office building located at 1333 North 27th Street is proposing to convert the building into micro housing. The current building has been used for office space in the past but according to the applicant, the building has been vacant for over 10 years. The  building has no off-street parking. The applicant is proposing to convert the building into micro housing intended to attract college students from MSU-Billings and hospital workers from the nearby hospitals.  Attached is an email from the applicant explaining micro housing. The applicant has researched parking options for St. Vincent employees and MSU-Billings students.  Both have the option to park on their respective campus 24 hours a day. The micro housing will also have storage for bicycles.  In order to convert this building, it is necessary for the property owner to get a parking variance, and they are asking for a variance from 100% of the parking requirements outlined in Section 6-1203 of the City Code. The code requires one parking space per dwelling unit which would be approximately 21 spaces for this use.  

The City Council may grant a variance from the terms of this article in specific cases when the City Council finds that the granting of the variance will serve the public interest and welfare; and will not conflict with any adopted zoning regulations, comprehensive plan, or subdivision regulations. Staff believes there could possibly be some issues with the adjacent neighborhood if the property is not successfully marketed to the MSU-Billings or hospital personnel or managed properly, the application appears to fall within the guideline for granting a variance. This building could still be utilized as an office building without a building permit or parking variance and would have parking issues which would likely be worse than if the variance were approved for micro housing. By converting the building to micro housing, it would provide affordable housing in the area, put a vacant building to beneficial use, and reduce the potential parking problems over the approved office building use. If approved for this use, there is the potential that tenants with vehicles will rent the housing and park in adjacent neighborhoods. If approved, any other use in the future would need further evaluation. 

 

The Council may:

• Approve the variance allowing the office building at 1333 North 27th to be converted into micro housing with no off street parking, or
• Do not approve the variance. The property owner would then have to find additional parking for this use or continue to utilize the building as-is.

There is no significant financial impact to the City for this variance.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve a parking variance for the property at 1333 North 27th Street.