The requested Council variance for 247-249 Midland Avenue in Columbus, OH, was recommended for approval by the Greater Hilltop Area Commission with a 14-0 vote. The variance will conform an existing two-unit dwelling in an R-3, Residential District, which typically does not allow two-unit dwellings. Additionally, it will reduce the required lot width from 50 feet to 41 feet to conform to the existing lot condition. The site is 0.12 acres and is located within the planning area of the Hilltop Land Use Plan (2019), which recommends “Medium-High Density Residential (16-24 du/ac)” land uses for this location. The variance is crucial for the applicant, Ohio Real Estate Resources, LLC, to obtain insurance coverage and refinance high-interest short-term loans, as the non-conforming use currently limits rebuild cost coverage to 50%. The staff concurred with the applicant's analysis of practical difficulties. The approval allows the property to remain as is, assisting with refinance and insurance coverage, and is consistent with the area's land use plan. This decision is seen as providing safe and affordable housing to neighborhood families.