Permit Requested for Encroachment Near Circle Square District
The Director of Capital Projects has been authorized to issue a permit to UC City Center LLC to allow building elements to extend into the public rights-of-way near University Circle. Under emergency ordinance 766-2026, the permit covers specific areas of Chester Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and Stokes Boulevard to accommodate the design of the Circle Square East Stokes building project.
What's in the file
The legislation authorizes limited right-of-way (ROW) encroachments specifically for the overhangs and balconies of the new development. According to the 766-2026 CPC Presentation, these encroachments occur only at Level 2 and above.
Key details of the proposal include:
- The encroachments involve building cantilevers that extend over the public right-of-way, while all structural columns, foundations, and the ground-floor building footprint remain entirely within private property limits to ensure the public realm at grade remains accessible.
- To achieve a functional floor plate for Phase 1, the building extends approximately 9 feet and 8 feet into the right-of-way on the east and west sides.
- The project is described as part of a larger city-supported master plan for the Circle Square district intended to increase density, economic activity, and housing opportunities near medical and academic institutions.
- Phase 2 of the East Stokes project is anticipated to be an office tower reaching a height of 250 feet.
The technical plans for these balcony encroachments include the following measurements:
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Encroachment side A | 16'-6" |
| Encroachment side B | 10'-8" |
| Phase 1 east/west extension | 9 and 8 feet |
Who may be affected
- UC City Center LLC: The developer authorized to utilize the public right-of-way for the building's overhangs.
- Director of Capital Projects: The city official authorized to issue the encroachment permit.
- University Circle area: Residents and users of Chester Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and Stokes Boulevard who utilize the public right-of-way.
Status and timeline
- July 9, 2026: The emergency ordinance was introduced.
- Passed: The ordinance has officially passed.
Residents can verify these details and view the full technical maps and site plans by visiting the official City of Cleveland Legistar record.
Source record
- File
- 766-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- July 8, 2026
Official documents
- 766-2026-Encro Circle Square East Stokes Bldg
- 766-2026-Legislative Summary Circel Square Stokes Bldg
- 766-2026 CPC Presentation MOCAP CCF 10700 Chester Ave 2026-06-16
- 766-2026 Map CCF 10700 Chester Ave 2026-06-16
- FINAL VERSION City Record August 28, 2026 Page 15