City OKs special use of residential zone for law office

[August 07, 2013]  On Monday evening, the Lincoln City Council reviewed a recommendation from the city's planning commission for a special use permit. Thomas and Loretta Van Hook had filed the zoning request that would allow them to open a law office in a residential district.

John Lebegue, Lincoln zoning officer, said the commission had reviewed the request for a special use permit for the house located at 1226 Broadway St. and had given it unanimous approval.

Lebegue explained that the use of the house as a law office would have no effect on the neighborhood, and that the outside structure of the house would only be changed with the addition of signage for the law firm.

During discussion, the question arose about parking for the office. Lebegue said this had been reviewed by the commission. There is a large driveway plus additional parking near a garage on the property, and there is street-side parking. Lebegue said that considering the type of business being opened, he felt there was more than enough parking space.

When it came to a vote, with the planning commission's recommendation to allow the special use permit, the council supported it unanimously 7-0. Alderman Bruce Carmitchel was absent for the evening.

[By NILA SMITH]