“is proposed use would create traffic, fire and parking issues”
There would be about a dozen people coming and going by foot, four times a day, once or twice in a week. It would not negative impact what homebuyers would pay for a house on his street.
As soon as they reached the sidewalk, they would split up.
I simply don’t know the relevant cases. As long as they are friends, then he’s probably legally protected by the Constitution with respect to the city.
Then there probably is an HOA with deed restrictions.
As for the “fire” issue, building codes and fire codes would have to be consulted.
I once met a man who was a key architect for the tallest building in the PRC. He was studying to become a licensed builder in Florida as he’d make more money supervising house construction for a company than as a top-tier architect.
I would say he’s got a winning case, unless the city has photos or evidence that this isn’t walk up attendance