Parking variance VAR26-002

The property owner's letter, read by a representative because he couldn't attend due to a family emergency, argued a dental office is the best fit for the building, noted surrounding medical offices have similarly few spaces, and said businesses operated there for years with more cars.

The project's transportation consultant explained the extra parking is required because dental use intensifies the use, and that bringing the six substandard spaces up to modern size requirements actually shrinks the site to four spaces, worsening the deficit.

The applicant described her vision for a low-impact, appointment-based orthodontic practice operating about three days a week, creating local jobs, and committed to being a responsible neighbor — but declined to commit to reserving on-site spaces for customers.

Spoke on behalf of the applicant, saying businesses on Las Tunas and Valley Boulevard need accommodations amid post-COVID vacancy rates.

A letter signed by about eight neighboring businesses, including dentists and lawyers, opposed the project over fears the orthodontic office would harm their parking.