City adopts zoning change for 600 Potomac Street after applicant agrees to move driveway

Council considered Ordinance 2026-10, a place-type amendment to reclassify approximately 2.5 acres near 600 Potomac Street (Washington Heights, parts of Block 52 and Block 58) from P2 Rural to P2C Commercial. Mr. Griggs (staff) told the council that additional public outreach and discussions between the applicant and nearby property owners resulted in an intent by the applicant to move the driveway off the corner of Potomac.

Griggs said, "As this is just a place type amendment ... zone changes aren't held to a specific site plan, but did want to bring that up and address it to council," explaining the driveway change is an intent rather than a formal site-plan condition. Councilmember discussion followed on how to approve the ordinance item; Councilman Brady made the motion to adopt Ordinance 2026-10, it was seconded, and the council approved the ordinance by voice vote.

Why it matters: The amendment will allow commercial zoning on a parcel near Potomac Street that staff said the applicant intends to modify (remove a corner driveway) after outreach with neighbors. The council noted outreach and clarified that a place-type change does not bind a specific site plan.

What’s next: The council adopted the ordinance; any site-specific design or access changes will be addressed at permitting/site-plan stages as required.