Subject:
Title
Public Hearing for a Request for Modifications of Requirements Related to Lot Coverage, Frontage Improvements, Parking and Loading Standards, Landscaping, Buffering, and Bicycle Parking for Green Hedges School, Located at 415 Windover Ave NW.
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
Work session Aug. 24, 2026
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
Green Hedges School requests modifications of requirements to implement a proposed modernization of its campus at 415 Windover Ave., NW. The modifications requested would:
1. Increase permitted lot coverage from the previously approved 31.11 percent to 47.8 percent, where 25 percent is otherwise permitted in the RS-12.5 zoning district.
2. Allow modified sidewalk and frontage improvements along Lewis Street, NW, and Windover Avenue, NW.
3. Eliminate the required loading space.
4. Eliminate required interior parking lot landscape islands.
5. Reduce portions of the required 15-foot landscape buffer.
6. Eliminate the required long-term bicycle parking.
The modifications are associated with an amendment to the school’s Conditional Use Permit, which the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approved on June 17, 2026, subject to 19 conditions. The approved CUP allows phased increases in enrollment from 190 to a maximum of 210 students and in staffing from 42 to a maximum of 50 full-time equivalent employees, together with building, circulation, buffering, landscaping, and other campus improvements. These decisions are not under the purview of the Town Council and are therefore not part of this agenda; but the information is provided as context for the modifications requests.
The Planning Commission reviewed the requested modifications and vote 5-2 on February 11, 2026, to recommend approval subject to conditions addressing the relocation of a shed from a buffer area, acceptance and future restoration of modified buffers, installation of deferred plantings if Phase 2 is delayed, and sound-mitigation measures.
Town Council held a work session on Aug. 24, 2026, to receive an overview of the applications and the BZA’s action. Following the public hearing, Council may approve the requested modifications, approve them with conditions, deny them, or take other action it deems appropriate. A detailed discussion is provided in Attachment 1, the staff report, where all the other attachments are also specified.
Departmental Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the requested modifications of requirements, subject to the condition of approval recommended by staff and any additional conditions considered by Council based on testimony received.
Finance Recommendation: Not applicable. The request does not require the expenditure of Town funds.
Purchasing Recommendation: Not applicable.
Town Attorney Recommendation: Pursuant to Town Code Section 18-830(3)(D), the Town Council shall review the application for modifications of site plan requirements and the recommendation of the Planning Commission at a public hearing. In its review of the application, in addition to other considerations, the Town Council must include whether the proposed modification(s) would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the integrity of the Town Code.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council open and closed the public hearing and approve the requested, as presented.
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
“I move to approve the requested modifications of requirements for Green Hedges School, located at 415 Windover Ave., NW, parcel 0383 21 0008A, as shown in the application materials and subject to the following conditions:
1. The final site plan shall include a note stating that if the residential use of the Head of School residence (227 Nutley St., NW) ever changes to a non-residential use, or if the adjacent parking/travel-aisle configuration (Segments P-Q, Q-R) is reconfigured or expanded, the full 15-foot buffer required by §18-561.1 shall be reinstated.
2. (Any other conditions proposed by Council)
OR
“I move to deny the requested modifications of requirements for Green Hedges School, located at 415 Windover Ave., NW, parcel 0383 21 0008A.”
Or other action deemed necessary by Council.