Loading...
pc_02 14 2008sub LITTLE ROCK PLANNING COMMISSION SUBDIVISION HEARING SUMMARY AND MINUTE RECORD FEBRUARY 14, 2008 4:00 P.M. I. Roll Call and Finding of a Quorum A Quorum was present being eight (8) in number. II. Members Present: Pam Adcock Valerie Pruitt Troy Laha Jeff Yates Jerry Meyer William Rector Chauncey Taylor Lucas Hargraves Members Absent: J. T. Ferstl Obray Nunnley, Jr. Darrin Williams City Attorney: Cindy Dawson III. Approval of the Minutes of the January 3, 2008 Meeting of the Little Rock Planning Commission. The Minutes were approved as presented. LITTLE ROCK PLANNING COMMISSION SUBDIVISION AGENDA FEBRUARY 14, 2008 OLD BUSINESS: Item Number: File Number: Title A. Z-8272 Montvale Short-form PD-C, located at 22 Montvale Drive. B. Z-3652-B Kroger-Beechwood Revised Short-form PCD, located at 614 Beechwood Street. C. S-878-C Lots 1 – 5 Replat of Tracts 8 & 9 Hopson and Sach’s Addition, located South of Kanis Road and West of Michael Drive. D. S-1600 Howe Preliminary Plat, located at 17725 Raines Road. E. Z-3371-T Glenn Ridge Crossings Lot 6 Long-form PCD, located near the intersection of Colonel Glenn Plaza Drive and Bowman Plaza Drive. F. LU08-01-01 A Land Use Plan Amendment in the River Mountain Planning District from Single Family and Transition to Commercial north of Highway 10 at Taylor Loop. F.1. Z-7500-D Pinnacle Village Long-form PCD, located North of Cantrell Road, West of Pinnacle Valley Road and North of the Taylor Loop Road/Cantrell Road Intersection. G. Z-5924-A The Residences at Sherrill Heights Short-form PD-R, located West of Rebsamen Park Road and South of Sherrill Heights Road. Agenda, Page Two NEW BUSINESS: I. PRELIMINARY PLATS: Item Number: File Number: Title 1. S-185-Y Little Rock Port Industrial Park Replat Tracts B-2, B-3 and B-4 Area 103, located at 7777 Sloane Drive. 2. S-1313-T Woodlands Edge Phase 9 Revised Preliminary Plat, located on Foxfield Lane. 3. S-1530-A Arkansas Realtors Revised Preliminary Plat, located on Executive Center Drive. 4. S-1605 Big Oak Subdivision Preliminary Plat, located on Baseline Road and Victoria Drive. 5. S-1606 Dailey Drive Subdivision Preliminary Plat, located on Dailey Drive, South of Baseline Road. II. SITE PLAN REVIEW: Item Number: File Number: Title 6. S-1231-C Chenal Commons Subdivision Site Plan Review, located at 12801 Chenal Parkway. 7. Z-3371-U The Village at Brodie Creek Revised Preliminary Plat, Zoning Site Plan Review and Land Alteration Variance Request, located on the Northwest corner of Colonel Glenn Road and I-430. 8. Z-4336-FF Children’s Hospital Zoning Site Plan Review, located West of Marshall Street, North of 11th Street. Agenda, Page Three III. PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS: Item Number: File Number: Title 9. LU08-04-01 A Land Use Plan Amendment in the Heights Hillcrest Planning District from Low Density Residential to Suburban Office, located at 1729 North Pierce Street. 9.1. Z-3077-A Masonic Park Addition Short-form POD, located at 1723 North Pierce Street. 10. Z-6808-A Robertson Properties, LLC Revised Short-form POD, located at 14109 Taylor Loop Road. 11. Z-6204-B Reality of the Gospel World Outreach Revised Short-form POD and Easement Abandonment, located at 9101 Lew Drive. 12. Z-8152-A Storthz Short-form POD, located at 424 North University Avenue. 13. Z-8293 Jerel Short-form PD-R, located at 8405 Ferndale Cut-off. 14. Z-8296 Trice Surgery Center Short-form POD, located on the Southeast corner of Kanis Road and Labelle Drive. 15. Z-8308 Calvary Bread of Life Ministries Short-form PID, located between West 33rd and West 34th fronting Jane Street and Mabelvale Pike Road. 16. Z-8309 Walls Short-form PD-R, located on Oakwood Road near the intersection with Pine Street. 17. LU08-03-01 A Land Use Plan Amendment in the West Little Rock Planning District from Office to Mixed Office Commercial, located at 7801 Cantrell Road. 17.1. Z-8310 Smith Development Short-form POD and Alley Abandonment, located at 7801 Cantrell Road. Agenda, Page Four IV. Other Business: Item Number: File Number: Title 18. Z-3769-C Wright-Holman Estate Short-form PD-R Revocation, located at 3518 Hill Road. 19. A-313 Maumelle Orchard 5 acre Annexation, located just west of Bouresse Court and Bouresse Drive. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: A FILE NO.: Z-8272 NAME: Montvale Short-form PD-C LOCATION: Located at 22 Montvale Drive DEVELOPER: Mazahir Husain 224 Montvale Drive Little Rock, AR 72212 SURVEYOR: Dee Wilson P.O. Box 604 North Little Rock, AR 72215-0604 AREA: 0.25 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family ALLOWED USES: Single-family residential PROPOSED ZONING: PD-C PROPOSED USE: Single-family residential and a single chair beauty salon. VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: 1. A waiver of the right of way dedication for Montvale Drive. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant is requesting a rezoning of the site from R-2, Single-family to PD-C to allow the owner to operate a single chair beauty salon from the site. The applicant is not proposing any signage to serve the development. The hours of operation are from 11 am to 7 pm daily. A maximum of five customers are served per day. The applicant is seeking approval for their sole use. The request includes a waiver of the required right of way dedication for Montvale Drive. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8272 2 B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The area is single-family with this site located mid-block with Montvale Drive ending in a cul de sac. Montvale Drive has been constructed with curb and gutter. There are no sidewalks in place along Montvale Drive. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received several informational phone calls from area residents. All owners of property located within 200 feet of the proposed site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. There is not an active neighborhood associated located in the area. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Due to the proposed use of the property, the Master Street Plans specifies that Montvale Drive for the frontage of this property must meet commercial street standards. Dedicate right-of-way to 30 feet from centerline. 2. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: No objection. Fire Department: Install and place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is not located on a dedicated CATA Bus Route. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8272 3 F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Chenal Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Single Family for this property. The applicant has applied for a Short form PCD. Since this is an in-home business, the request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Montvale Drive is shown as a Collector. The primary function of a Collector Street is to provide a connection from Local Streets to Arterials. Bicycle Plan: There is not a bike path in this immediate vicinity. Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is covered by the River Mountain plan, but the plan does not address this issue. Landscape: 1. Site plan must comply with the City’s minimal landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. The landscape ordinance and the zoning buffer ordinance requires a nine foot wide (9’) landscape strip around all three sides of your property, next to the residentially zoned areas. Seventy percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. 3. The property to the north, south, and west is zoned residential, therefore, a six (6) foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side directed outward, a wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required along the northern, southern, and western perimeters of the site. 4. Additional landscaping may be required with any on site paving. 5. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing trees as feasible on this site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (October 18, 2007) The applicant was present representing the request. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development stating there were few outstanding technical issues associated with the request. Staff requested the applicant provide the total number of clients served per day and the days and hours of operation. Staff also questioned if signage was proposed to identify the business. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8272 4 Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the use of the property would classify Montvale Drive as a commercial street. Staff requested a requested the applicant provide an additional five feet of right of way along the property frontage. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated screening would be required along the perimeters of the site. Commissioner Yates questioned if the screening was required to be extended to the right of way. Staff stated a fence or plantings would be required to be placed along the northern and southern perimeters to the front and rear property lines. Staff noted comments from the various other reporting departments and agencies suggesting the applicant contact them directly for additional information and clarification. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: There were no outstanding technical issues in need of addressing remaining from the October 18, 2007, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant is seeking a rezoning of this site from R-2, Single-family to PD-C to allow the owner to operate a single chair beauty salon from the site. A beauty salon is prohibited as a home occupation per Section 36-252(6)(c). Typically home occupations are granted when the use does not generate traffic, parking, sewage or water use in excess of what is normal in the residential neighborhood or change the appearance of the dwelling or provide product display visible from the street. The parking criteria for a beauty salon is specifically identified in Section 36-501(3)(f). Personal service establishments are to provide 1.0 space per two-hundred square feet of gross building area. The Article used to define the parking is designed to prevent or alleviate the congestion of the public streets and to promote the safety and welfare of the public. Commercial parking is to be provided on the same premises with the commercial activity. The proposed use is in violation with the Bill of Assurance for the subdivision. The Use of Land section of the Bill of Assurance states - The land herein platted shall be held, owned and used only as residential building sites. No structure shall be erected, altered, placed or permitted to remain on any building site other than a single-family residence. In addition the Commercial Structures Section states - No building or structure or any type may ever be placed, erected or used for business, professional, trade or commercial purposes on any portion of any lot. This prohibition shall not apply to any business or structure that may be placed on any lot or portion of a lot that is used exclusively by a public utility company in connection with the furnishing of public utility service to the Pebble Beach Estates. Staff is not supportive of the request. Staff feels the addition of the salon within this single-family neighborhood could potentially impact the neighborhood. Beauty salons are typically high volume traffic generators and staff feels this type February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8272 5 use should be limited to commercial areas or areas not solely used as residential. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends denial of the request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (NOVEMBER 8, 2007) The applicant was not present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request dated November 1, 2007, requesting a deferral of the item to the February 14, 2008, public hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the consent agenda for deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 11 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant submitted a letter dated November 12, 2007, requesting withdrawal of this item without prejudice. Staff is supportive of the withdrawal request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a letter dated November 12, 2007, requesting withdrawal of this item without prejudice. Staff stated they were supportive of the withdrawal request. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: B FILE NO.: Z-3652-B NAME: Kroger-Beechwood Revised Short-form PCD LOCATION: Located at 614 Beechwood Street DEVELOPER: Kroger Corporation Attn. Steve Sheridan 800 Ridgelake Boulevard Memphis, TN 38119 SURVEYOR: Brooks Surveying 20820 Arch Street Pike Hensley, AR 72065 ATCHITECT: RPPY, Architects Attn. David Perry 713 West 2nd Street Little Rock, AR 72201 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Roberts and Williams Attn. Barry Williams 1501 N. University Avenue, Suite 430 Little Rock, AR 72202 AREA: 3 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: PCD ALLOWED USES: Grocery store PROPOSED ZONING: Revised PCD PROPOSED USE: Grocery store VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3652-B 2 BACKGROUND: Ordinance No. 14,021 adopted by the Little Rock Board of Directors on April 7, 1981, established Safeway Planned Commercial Development to allow a grocery store to locate on this site. Ordinance No. 15,800 adopted by the Little Rock Board of Directors on January 16, 1990, revised the previously approved PCD to allow the existing off- street parking provided by the PCD to be permitted as shared parking with an adjacent property so as to provide loading, driveway and parking for the US Postal Service. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant is proposing an amendment to the existing PCD to allow a new building expansion. The developers are proposing to enclose the two current covered porch areas and extend the building to the west by 21-feet. Along with the expansion, Kroger will repave and make repairs to the existing parking lot. In addition to the lot repairs, Kroger will replant their current landscape areas and install an irrigation system to improve plant health and longevity. The parking lot, however, will not be changing in configuration or number of spaces. The current lot is used by many of the areas businesses including the Post Office. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: Kroger and associated parking encompass much of the block with two additional buildings containing retail and a postal facility located along Kavanaugh Boulevard. The structures to the east along Beechwood Street appear to be office and commercial uses. The structures to the west along North Palm Street appear to be single-family homes. There is a traffic light at the intersection of Beechwood Street and Kavanaugh Boulevard. Street parking is allowed along the east side of North Palm Street and along both sides of Beechwood Street. Street parking is also allowed along the south side of Woodlawn Drive. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received a number of informational phone calls from area residents. All owners of property located within 200 feet of the proposed site along with the Hillcrest Residents Neighborhood Association and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3652-B 3 2. Appropriate handicap ramps are required along Beechwood Street in accordance with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan. 3. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). 4. A 20-foot radial dedication of right-of-way is required at the intersections of Woodlawn Avenue and Palm Street and Beechwood Street and Woodlawn Avenue. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: No objection. Fire Department: Fire hydrants may be required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located near CATA Bus Route #1 – Pulaski Heights Route. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Heights Hillcrest Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Commercial for this property. The applicant has applied for a revised Short form PCD. The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Beechwood Street is shown as a Local Street and Kavanaugh Boulevard is shown as a Collector. The primary function of a Collector Street is to provide a connection from Local Streets to Arterials. The primary function of a Local Street is to provide access to adjacent properties. Local Streets, which are abutted by non-residential zoning/use or more intensive February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3652-B 4 zoning than duplexes, are considered as “Commercial Streets”. These streets have a design standard the same as a Collector. Bicycle Plan: Class III bike routes are shown on Kavanaugh Boulevard and Beechwood Street. A Class III bikeway is a signed route on a street shared with traffic. No additional paving or right-of-way is required. Class III bicycle route signage may be required. Neighborhood Action Plan: The Hillcrest Neighborhood Action Plan covers this area. The Crime and Safety goal states: “Increase lighting and visibility around houses and businesses.” The Zoning and Land Use goal states: “Encourage and improve the walkability of the neighborhood, specifically the intersection of Kavanaugh and Beechwood.” Landscape: 1. Site plan must comply with the City’s landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. All existing required landscaping should be replaced and in good botanical condition. 3. All existing fencing/dumpster enclosures, etc. should also be in good repair or replaced in conjunction with this request. 4. Special consideration should be given to the residential area along the east. 5. Street trees are required. A franchise agreement will be required in conjunction with the requirement. 6. This proposal/request eliminates any/all building landscaping. One option might be to turn a few of the parking spaces next to the building into landscape islands. Otherwise, a variance must be obtained from the City Beautiful Commission prior to the issuance of a building permit. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (October 18, 2007) Mr. Barry Williams was present representing the request. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development stating there were additional items necessary to complete the review process. Staff stated the site was located in the Hillcrest Design Overlay District and requested the applicant provide building elevations and the method proposed to break the massing of the western wall. Staff stated landscaping was located within the area proposed for the expansion and questioned the applicant if any of the landscaping would remain. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3652-B 5 Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated plans for work in the right of way would require permitting prior to construction. Staff also stated a 20-foot radial dedication would be required at the intersections of the abutting streets. Mr. Williams stated a dedication would not be an issue at the Beechwood intersection but at the North Palm intersection. Since the developers were proposing a zero setback along North Palm Street and there was presently a zero setback along Woodlawn Drive, the dedication would interfere with the proposed building construction. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated all existing landscaping should be in good condition and any dead or diseased landscaping should be replaced. Staff also stated building landscaping would be required adjacent to the parking area. Staff stated the front striped landscape islands could be redesigned and planted to provide the required building landscaping. Staff noted comments from the various other reporting departments and agencies suggesting the applicant contact them directly for additional information and clarification. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing most of the issues raised at the October 18, 2007, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant has provided the landscaping to remain within the proposed expansion area, provided elevations of the proposed facades and provided a 20-foot radial dedication at the intersection of Beechwood and Woodlawn Streets. The request includes a waiver of the radial dedication required at the intersection of Woodlawn and Palm Streets. According to the applicant, if the radial dedication is provided, the new dedication of right of way would place the corner of the building within the right of way. The site is located in the Hillcrest Design Overlay District. The ordinance states non-residential district regulations shall apply to any office and commercial zoned land within the District. New and renovated buildings (more than 50% - exterior surface area altered) shall be compatible with existing scale, setbacks and massing of the buildings in the immediate area. Ground level facades shall reflect the same building materials as existing commercial buildings in the one block area adjacent to and across from the location. Façade materials may be any standard material, except, corrugated or ribbed materials. According to the Overlay, setbacks from streets and alleys shall meet current code requirements, except setbacks may align with surrounding structures. Wall projections or recesses a minimum of three feet depth and a minimum of 20 contiguous feet not to extend over twenty (20) percent of the façade shall be required. Arcades, display windows, entry areas or awnings shall exist along at least sixty percent of the façade. Buildings shall maintain a distinction between upper and lower levels; any elevation greater than eighteen feet in height shall contain an February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3652-B 6 architectural treatment, which visually divides the structure into ‘stories’. New construction wider than 100 linear feet shall be massed so as to visually break the structure at intervals not less than 100 feet. Rooflines shall be varied with a change in height every one hundred linear feet in building length. Parapets, mansard roofs, gable roofs, high roofs shall be used to conceal flat roofs and roof top equipment. Predominate exterior building materials shall not be smooth- faced concrete block, tilt-up concrete panels or prefabricated steel panels. Parking requirements within the district shall be 50% of that required by Article VIII of the zoning ordinance. The maximum parking allowed shall be the minimum standard established. Surface parking shall be limited to the side and rear of structures and no parking shall be allowed in the front-yard setback. Surface parking is to be located behind or adjacent to a structure, never between the building and any abutting street. Permitted signs shall be as in Section 36-553 signs permitted in institutional and office zones. On the street level, the maximum area of signage may be doubled if at least 50% of the street-level office and retail space has direct access to the street. The highest point on any commercial sign attached to the building shall not exceed the corresponding building height. Free standing commercial signs may not exceed 18-feet in height. Neon lit signs greater than 30 square feet are prohibited. Off-premise signs are prohibited. Lighting shall be designed to prevent light from commercial developments from excessively illuminating the property in question, other properties or night sky. Only light fixtures that are categorized as full cut-off fixtures shall be permitted. The use of fully shielded floodlights is permitted but not encouraged. Down lighting is preferred. A lighting plan shall be submitted for staff review and approval prior to the issuance of a building permit. The elevation provided indicates the building will be constructed vertically of five different materials and horizontally columns will be added along the façade at critical points to break the long horizontal plane. The western wall will also include architectural elements to mimic a false front or entrance to also assist in breaking the massing. The western façade is presently 164-feet long and a 16.4- foot addition to the front is proposed for a total building length of 180.4 feet. The site plan as proposed does appear to break the massing along the western façade as typically required by the Hillcrest Design Overlay District. The front of the existing building is 204 feet and a 21-foot expansion is proposed. The building would have an overall length of 246 feet. The front vertical plane of the building is proposed with five different construction materials and the massing of the horizontal plane will be broken with the placement of columns and architectural features at the entrances of the building. Signage for the development has not been designed. The applicant has indicated signage will comply with the Design Overlay District requirements with a maximum height of eighteen feet. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3652-B 7 Parking on the site is consistent with typical ordinance standards. The site contains 131 parking spaces. The Design Overlay District states the parking required within the District shall be 50 percent of that required by Article VIII of the zoning ordinance and the maximum parking shall be the minimum standard established in Article VIII. Based on the typical ordinance standards, 122 parking spaces would be the maximum with 61 spaces being the parking required. The site plan has indicated the building setback of the wall to three (3) feet from the west property line. The original submission included a zero building setback. With the reduction of the expansion area, additional planting space will be added between the building and sidewalk along the western side. The existing trees have been indicated on the revised site plan and it appears that the older oak trees will remain. The trees located within the new building footprint are newer plantings of Bradford Pear and Leyland Cypress. With the new construction, the drip line of a number of the trees to be retained will be disturbed. Staff recommends if the trees are damaged during the construction process and must be removed, the replacement trees must be substantial trees of a minimum of four inch caliper or the maximum caliper allowed to be planted with a root ball. Staff is supportive of the development. Staff feels the developer has done an adequate job in addressing the key elements of the Hillcrest Design Overlay District. Staff also feels the developer is sensitive to the residences located along the western façade by allowing a combination of construction materials and including architectural features to break the massing of the western wall. To staff’s knowledge there are no outstanding technical issues associated with the request. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. Staff recommends if any trees are damaged during the construction process and must be removed, the replacement trees must be substantial trees of a minimum of four-inch caliper or the maximum caliper allowed to be planted with a root ball. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (NOVEMBER 8, 2007) The applicant was present. There were registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request dated October 24, 2007, requesting a deferral of this item to the January 3, 2008, public hearing. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3652-B 8 There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the consent agenda for deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 11 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JANUARY 3, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of deferral of the item to the February 14, 2008, public hearing. Staff is supportive of the deferral request. There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the Consent Agenda for Deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant submitted a request dated January 4, 2008, requesting a deferral of this item to the March 27, 2008, public hearing. Staff is supportive of the deferral request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request dated February 11, 2008, requesting withdrawal of the item. Staff stated the withdrawal would require a waiver of the Commission’s By-laws with regard to the late withdrawal request. Staff stated they were supportive of the withdrawal request. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the By-law waiver. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: C FILE NO.: S-878-C NAME: Lots 1 – 5 Replat of Tracts 8 & 9 Hopson and Sach’s Addition LOCATION: Located South of Kanis Road and West of Michael Drive DEVELOPER: Pam Brown Courtney P.O. Box 55145 Little Rock, AR 72205 ENGINEER: McGetrick and McGetrick 10 Otter Creek Circle, Suite A Little Rock, AR 72210 AREA: 7.85 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 5 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: C-3, General Commercial District PLANNING DISTRICT: 10 – Boyle Park CENSUS TRACT: 24.03 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: A variance to allow an increased lot depth to width ratio. (Section 31-284(b)) A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant is requesting a replat of Tracts 8 and 9 Hopson and Sach’s Subdivision containing 7.85 acres into five (5) commercially zoned lots. The owner plans to develop five office/commercial lots. There will be no new street construction as a result of the subdivision. Access will be provided from Kanis Road. The lots will share driveway accesses to limit the number of curb cuts from Kanis Road. The average lot size proposed is 120-feet by 515-feet. The lots range in size from 1.39 acres to 2.01 acres. All easements are to be used for utility and/or drainage. All easements on common lot lines are ten (10) feet in width, with five (5) feet on either side of the lot line unless otherwise noted. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: C (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-878-C 2 The request includes a variance request from the typical minimum standards of the Subdivision Ordinance. The applicant is seeking a variance from Section 31-284(b) to allow an increased lot depth to width ratio for proposed Lots 1, 2, 4 and 5. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is wooded sloping downward from front to back (north to south). The general area contains a mixture of office and commercial uses located within the C-3, General Commercial District zoned property across Kanis Road to the north. Undeveloped O-3, General Office District zoned property is located to the south, with an apartment complex to the southeast. There is a narrow undeveloped C-3, General Commercial District immediately west, with a mixture of commercial uses further west along Barrow Road. Undeveloped C-3, General Commercial District zoned property is located to the east of the site. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from the John Barrow Neighborhood Association. The John Barrow Neighborhood Association, the Brownwood Terrace Neighborhood Association and all abutting property owners were notified of the Public Hearing. The applicant met with the John Barrow Neighborhood Association at their December 12, 2007, Neighborhood Association meeting. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Kanis Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a minor arterial. A dedication of right-of-way 45 feet from centerline will be required. 2. With the site development, provide the design of the street conforming to the Master Street Plan. Construct one-half street improvement to the street including 5-foot sidewalk with the planned development. 3. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property. Show the proposed location for storm water detention facilities on the plan. 4. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the start of construction. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: C (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-878-C 3 5. Streetlights are required per Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering at 379-1813 (Steve Philpott) for more information. 6. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer main extension required with easements. Contact Little Rock Wastewater for additional information. Entergy: Easements required around the sites perimeter. Contact Entergy for additional information. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding requirements prior to development of this property. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located on CATA Bus Route #3, the Baptist Medical Center Route. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Parks and Recreation: If Kanis Road is considered for expansion, please allow for a separated bikeway along Kanis Road. Planning Division: No comment. Landscape: No comment. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: C (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-878-C 4 G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (November 29, 2007) Mr. Pat McGetrick was present representing the owner. Staff presented an overview of the proposed replat stating there were additional items necessary to complete the review process. Staff requested Mr. McGetrick request a variance to allow an increased lot depth to width ratio or revise the plat to eliminate the variance request. Staff also stated the plat indicated the placement of a 35-foot platted building line adjacent to Kanis Road and the Subdivision Ordinance required the placement of a 25-foot platted building line. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated Kanis Road was indicated on the Master Street Plan as a minor arterial and a dedication of right of way 45-feet from centerline would be required. Staff stated street improvements including curb, gutter and sidewalk would be required per the Boundary Street Ordinance. Staff stated streetlights were required prior to final platting or certificate of occupancy. Staff noted comments from the various other reporting departments and agencies suggesting the applicant contact them directly for additional information and clarification. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised plat to staff addressing the issues raised at the November 29, 2007, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant has indicated the variance request, reduced the front setback to 25-feet and provided the source of title of the landowner in the general notes section of the plat. The applicant is seeking approval of a replat of two previously platted tracts into five (5) commercially zoned lots (C-3, General Commercial District). Access to the lots is proposed from Kanis Road with lots sharing access along common lot lines. The proposed plat is indicated with lots ranging in size from 1.39 acres to 2.01 acres. The lots are proposed for development consistent with the present zoning classification with regard to building setbacks and lot development criteria. The replat as proposed includes a variance to allow an increased lot depth to width ratio for four (4) of the proposed lots. Lots 1, 2, 4 and 5 are indicated with a depth to width ratio of 4.3 to 1. The ordinance states no lot in an office or commercial subdivision shall have a depth exceeding February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: C (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-878-C 5 three (3) times the width. Staff is supportive of the variance request. Staff does not feel the variance will significantly impact the development. Staff is supportive of the replat as proposed. Staff feels the creation of five (5) commercially zoned lots is appropriate. The creation of the commercial subdivision as proposed should enhance to viability of each separate structure and ownership. Otherwise, to staff’s knowledge, there are no outstanding issues associated with the request. Staff is supportive of the replat as proposed including the variance associated with the creation of the lots as proposed. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the replat as proposed including the variance to allow an increased lot depth to width ratio for proposed Lots 1, 2, 4 and 5 subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JANUARY 3, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating on December 19, 2007, the applicant had requested a deferral of the item to the February 14, 2008, public hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the Consent Agenda for Deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant submitted a request dated February 4, 2008, requesting a deferral of this item to the March 27, 2008, public hearing. Staff is supportive of the deferral request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request dated February 4, 2008, requesting a deferral of this item to the March 27, 2008, public hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: C (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-878-C 6 There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: D FILE NO.: S-1600 NAME: Howe Preliminary Plat LOCATION: Located at 17725 Raines Road DEVELOPER: Sydney and Susan Howe 9 Windborough Court Little Rock, AR 72212 SURVEYOR: Richardson Surveying, PLLC P.O. Box 6865 Sherwood, AR 72124-6865 AREA: 5.007 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family PLANNING DISTRICT: 17 – Crystal Valley CENSUS TRACT: 42.08 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: A variance to allow an increased lot depth to width ratio. (Section 31-232(b)) The applicant was unable to respond to the comments raised at the November 29, 2007, Subdivision Committee meeting. Staff recommends the item be deferred to the February 14, 2008, public hearing. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JANUARY 3, 2008) The applicant was not present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant was unable to respond to the comments raised at the November 29, 2007, Subdivision Committee meeting. Staff presented a recommendation of deferred of the item to the February 14, 2008, public hearing. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: D (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1600 2 There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the Consent Agenda for Deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant requested on February 1, 2008, this item be deferred to the March 27, 2008, public hearing. Staff is supportive of the deferral request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant requested on February 1, 2008, a deferral of the item to the March 27, 2008, public hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: E FILE NO.: Z-3371-T NAME: Glenn Ridge Crossings Lot 6 Long-form PCD LOCATION: Located near the intersection of Colonel Glenn Plaza Drive and Bowman Plaza Drive DEVELOPER: PDC Companies 1501 N. University Avenue Little Rock, AR 72207 ENGINEER: White-Daters and Associates 24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 12.7 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: C-3, General Commercial District ALLOWED USES: General retail PROPOSED ZONING: PCD PROPOSED USE: Automobile sales and Automobile auction VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. The applicant submitted a request on November 29, 2007, requesting a deferral of this item to the February 14, 2008, public hearing. Staff is supportive of the deferral request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JANUARY 3, 2008) Mr. Joe White of White Daters and Associates was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request on November 29, 2007, requesting a deferral of the item to the February 14, 2008, public hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: E (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-T 2 There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the Consent Agenda for Deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant submitted a request dated January 29, 2008, requesting a deferral of this item to the May 8, 2008, public hearing. Staff is supportive of the deferral request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request dated January 29, 2008, requesting a deferral of this item to the May 8, 2008, public hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: F FILE NO.: LU08-01-01 Name: Land Use Plan Amendment - River Mountain Planning District Location: North of Cantrell Road, west of Pinnacle Valley Road and north of Taylor Loop Road Request: Transition, Mixed Office Commercial and Single Family to Commercial Source: John Rees PROPOSAL / REQUEST: The applicant has requested this item be deferred to the February 14, 2008 agenda. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JANUARY 3, 2008) The item was placed on consent agenda for deferral to February 14, 2008. By a vote 10 for, 0 against the item was deferred. _____________________________________________________________________ PROPOSAL / REQUEST: The applicant has requested this item be withdrawn from consideration. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The item was placed on consent agenda for withdrawal. By a vote of 8 for and 3 against the consent agenda was approved. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: F.1 FILE NO.: Z-7500-D NAME: Pinnacle Village Long-form PCD LOCATION: Located North of Cantrell Road, West of Pinnacle Valley Road and North of the Taylor Loop Road/Cantrell Road Intersection DEVELOPER: Rees Development Company 12115 Hinson Road Little Rock, AR 72212 ENGINEER: McGetrick and McGetrick Engineers 10 Otter Creek Court, Suite A Little Rock, AR 72210 AREA: 24.37 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: PCD ALLOWED USES: Commercial, Office/Warehouse PROPOSED ZONING: Revised PCD PROPOSED USE: Commercial VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: A variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of the site with the development of the first phase. The applicant submitted a request dated December 5, 2007, requesting a deferral of the item to the February 14, 2008, public hearing. Staff is supportive of the deferral request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JANUARY 3, 2008) Mr. Pat McGetrick of McGetrick and McGetrick Engineers was present representing the request. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request dated December 5, 2007, requesting a deferral of the item to the February 14, 2008, public hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: F.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7500-D 2 There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the Consent Agenda for Deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant submitted a request dated January 29, 2008, requesting withdrawal of this item. Staff is supportive of the withdrawal request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request dated January 29, 2008, requesting withdrawal of this item. Staff stated they were supportive of the withdrawal request. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: G FILE NO.: Z-5924-A NAME: The Residences at Sherrill Heights Short-form PD-R LOCATION: Located West of Rebsamen Park Road and South of Sherrill Heights Road DEVELOPER: Matt Bell 13007 Stacy Lane Little Rock, AR 72211 ENGINEER: White-Daters and Associates 24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 2.19 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family (0.71 acres) and R-6, High Rise Multi-family (1.17 acres) ALLOWED USES: Single-family and Multi-family up to 72 units per acre PROPOSED ZONING: PD-R PROPOSED USE: Condominium - 4.1 units per acre VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: 1. A deferral of the required Master Street Plan street improvements to Sherrill Road. 2. A variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of the entire site with the development of the first building or phase. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The development is proposed as a private gated nine (9) unit condominium project. Each unit will be three (3) stories with a two (2) car garage and approximately 2,500 to 3,000 square feet of living space. Guest and visitor parking will be provided on the site. A dumpster will be located in the center of the development to serve all the units. A park area is located in the southeast portion of the site and will be available to the residents. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: G (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5924-A 2 The developer is requesting a deferral of the street improvements to Sherrill Road. The request also includes a variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow grading of the site with the construction of the first phase. Each unit will have views of the river and downtown Little Rock. The units are proposed with a maximum building height of 30-feet. The height of the units will not block the view of the existing homes to the west. The developer feels the use transitions well between the apartments to the east and the single-family homes to the west. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is wooded and has a relatively steep slope falling from west to east. There are single-family homes located to the west and property owned by the Little Rock Country Club. To the east and south are apartments and to the north is vacant wooded property presently zoned R-5. Sherrill Road has been constructed with open ditches for drainage and there are no sidewalks in place along the roadway. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received a large number of informational phone calls from area residents. All owners of property located within 200 feet of the proposed site along with all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. There is not a registered neighborhood associated located in the immediate area. The developer did have a neighborhood meeting with the residents on December 4th at the Pulaski Bank Community Room located on R Street. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. With site development, provide the design of the street conforming to the Master Street Plan. Construct one-half street improvement to Sherrill Road including 5-foot sidewalk with the planned development. 2. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property. Show the proposed location for storm water detention facilities on the plan. 3. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be required prior to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site grading, and drainage plans will need to be submitted and approved prior to the start of construction. A variance must be obtained to advance grade the entire site. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: G (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5924-A 3 4. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the start of construction. 5. Provide a letter prepared by a registered engineer certifying the sight distance at the intersections comply with 2004 AASHTO Green Book standards. 6. Provide a Sketch Grading and Drainage Plan per Section 29-186 (e). E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. On-site private fire hydrant(s) will be required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department to obtain information regarding the required placement of the hydrant(s) and contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for installation of the hydrant(s). The facilities on-site will be private. When meters are planned off private lines, private facilities shall be installed to Central Arkansas Water's material and construction specifications and an engineer, licensed to practice in the State of Arkansas, will inspect installation. Execution of Customer Owned Line Agreement is required. This development will have minor impact on the existing water distribution system. Proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection. Fire Department: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact Little Rock Fire Department for more information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is not located on a dedicated CATA Bus Route. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Heights Hillcrest Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Multi Family. The applicant has applied for a rezoning from R-2, Single-family and R-6, High Rise Multi-family to Planned Residential Development to allow the construction of nine (9) condominiums. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: G (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5924-A 4 The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Rebsamen Park Road is shown as a Collector. The primary function of a Collector Street is to provide a connection from Local Streets to Arterials. Sherrill Road is shown as a Local Street. The primary function of a Local Street is to provide access to adjacent properties. Local streets which are abutted by non-residential zoning/use or more intensive zoning than duplexes are considered as “Commercial Streets”. These streets have a design standard the same as a Collector. These streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. Bicycle Plan: A Class I bike route is shown along Rebsamen Park Road. A Class I bikeway is built separate from or alongside a road. Additional paving and right of way may be required. Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is not covered by a City recognized Neighborhood Action Plan. Landscape: 1. The site plan must comply with the City’s landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. Land use buffer varies substantially on this site; however, by taking the smallest distance and calculating the six percent (6%) equates to twelve feet. The land use buffer should not drop below this minimum amount and the current submittal does in one location only. A minor revision is needed. Seventy percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. 3. The City of Little Rock and the City Beautiful Commission would love to see the triangular piece of property platted as a tree preservation area, if undevelopable otherwise. 4. The property to the west is zoned residential, therefore, a six (6) foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side directed outward, a wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required along the western perimeter of the site. 5. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required. 6. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, it will be necessary to provide an approved landscape plan stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape Architect. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: G (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5924-A 5 7. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing trees as feasible on this tree covered site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (November 29, 2007) Mr. Joe White was present representing the request. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development stating there were additional items necessary to complete the review process. Staff requested Mr. White provide the total acreage of R-2, Single-family zoned property and the total acreage of R-6, High Rise Multi-family zoned property. Staff also questioned if the development would be constructed in a single phase or multiple phases. Staff stated if the development was proposed in phases and the developer intended to clear areas located within the future construction zones, a variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance would be required. Staff also requested the developer provide the dimensions of all property lines and proposed building setbacks. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated one-half street construction would be required with the proposed development to include curb, gutter and sidewalk. Staff also requested the applicant provide a letter certifying the sight distance at the intersections to comply with 2004 ASHTO Green Book standards. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated a twelve foot buffer was required around the perimeters of the site. Staff noted in one area the site plan did not comply with the minimum buffer standard. Staff also requested the applicant provide the triangular piece adjacent to Sherrill Road as a tree conservation and preservation easement since the area did not appear to be developable. Staff noted screening would be required along the western perimeter adjacent to the R-2, Single-family zoned property. Staff also stated an automatic irrigation system would be required to water landscape areas and prior to the issuance of a building permit a landscape plan stamped with the seal of a registered landscape architect would be required. Staff noted comments from the various other reporting departments and agencies suggesting the applicant contact them directly for additional information and clarification. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: G (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5924-A 6 H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing most of the issues raised at the November 29, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant has proposed an undisturbed open space area along Sherrill Road, provided the dimensions for all property boundaries and indicated the development with lots and blocks. The developer has amended the request to include a deferral of the required street improvements to Sherrill Road until the development of a future phase. Staff is supportive of a deferral request of the required street improvements until Phase 3 of the development. The development is proposed in three phases with Building #3 being constructed in the first phase. The developer is requesting a variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of the site with the construction of the first phase. The areas proposed for grading are the drives, common parking areas and building pads. The site contains two areas for storm water detention. The developer has indicated detention will be placed with the first phase of construction to limit run-off from the site. The site plan indicates the designation of the triangular piece along Sherrill Road as an undisturbed open space. The developer has indicated this area will be maintained as open space and additional landscaping will be installed to further screen the residences from the abutting roadway. The development is proposed with adequate common and private recreational and open space. The development will be serviced by a dumpster located within the proposed guest parking area. The dumpster service will be limited to daylight hours to minimize any potential impact on the development and the adjoining single-family homes. The development is proposed as a gated development. The call box has been located with adequate distance from the roadway to allow proper stacking. The driveway has insufficient turning radius and must be revised to provide a sufficient radius for an SU-30 vehicle. In addition the driveway is indicated in excess of the typical maximum driveway width of 36-feet. Staff recommends the driveway be redesigned to allow proper turning radius and not exceed the maximum driveway width as typically allowed. The site is presently zoned R-6, High Rise Apartment District and R-2, Single-family District. The area zoned R-6, High Rise Apartment District contains 1.17 acres and the remaining 0.71 acres is zoned R-2, Single-family District. The R-6, High Rise Apartment zoning district allows for the development of 72 units per acre with a maximum building height of 75 feet. However, one foot of height may be added to the height of the building of each foot of the building or portion thereof as setback from the required yard lines. The maximum building height February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: G (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5924-A 7 allowed is 125-feet. A 25-foot setback is typically required from all abutting property lines. The setbacks proposed for the development comply with the typical setbacks per the zoning ordinance. The units are proposed with a two car garage, two external parking spaces within the drive of each unit and ten guest parking spaces. The parking as proposed is more than adequate to meet the typical minimum parking requirement for a development of this type or 13 parking spaces. The lots are proposed with a minimum width of 30-feet and a minimum depth of 83-feet. The lots are proposed consistent with lot development standards for Townhouse Lots (Section 31-233). The Subdivision Ordinance typically allows for Townhouse Lots to be developed with a minimum width of 22 feet and a minimum depth of 80 feet with a minimum lot area of 2,000 square feet. Platted building lines shall conform to the building location shown in the generalized site plan. The applicant has provided the proposed lot areas in excess of the typical minimum ordinance standard and proposed building locations on the site plan. The site plan indicates a large area of landscaping and areas to be retained in undisturbed buffers. The site plan also indicates the placement of a common park area with passive recreational opportunities within the park area. Each of the units will also have a yard area within the rear yard area of the units. Fencing is proposed along the eastern and southern boundaries, adjacent to the existing apartment complexes and along a portion of Sherrill Road. Fencing is not proposed along the western perimeter where adjacent to the single-family homes. The site plan indicates the placement of an identification sign near the entrance drive to the development. The sign is proposed as the maximum allowed per the zoning ordinance. The maximum height allowed would be six feet and the maximum sign area would be thirty-two square feet. Staff is generally supportive of the development. The development is proposed as an attached single-family development constructing nine units in three buildings. The density proposed for the development is 4.1 units per acre. The building height proposed is significantly less than the ordinance typically allows for R-6, High Rise Apartment development and less than the height typically allowed per the R-2, Single-family zoning district or 35-feet. Staff has concerns with the drive as indicated. Staff recommends the applicant redesign the entrance to the development to comply with the typical ordinance standards for driveway construction. To staff’s knowledge there are no remaining outstanding technical issues associated with the request. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends denial of the request as filed. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: G (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5924-A 8 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JANUARY 3, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request dated January 2, 2008, requesting a deferral of the item to the February 14, 2008, public hearing. Staff stated the deferral request would require a waiver of the Commission’s By-laws with regard to the deferral request and the request being made less than five (5) days prior to the public hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion of a By-law waiver of the late deferral request. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. The chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the Consent Agenda for Deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant submitted a request dated January 21, 2008, requesting withdrawal of this item. Staff is supportive of the withdrawal request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request dated January 21, 2008, requesting withdrawal of this item. Staff stated they were supportive of the withdrawal request. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: S-185-Y NAME: Little Rock Port Industrial Park Replat Tracts B-2, B-3 and B-4 Area 103 LOCATION: Located at 7777 Sloane Drive DEVELOPER: George Fischer Sloane, Inc. 7777 Sloane Drive Little Rock, AR 72201 ENGINEER: Garver Engineers 1010 Battery Street Little Rock, AR 72203 AREA: 59.88 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 4 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: I-3, Industrial District PLANNING DISTRICT: 26 – Port South CENSUS TRACT: 40.07 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: 1. A variance from Section 31-314(1) to allow a reduced building setback line located between Lots B4-R and Tract B-7. 2. A variance from Section 31-313(b) to allow the creation of a pipe stem lot. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant is requesting a replat of these three previously platted lots. There are two (2) variances associated with the request. The first is a variance to allow a reduced building setback from 30-feet to 12.75 feet between the two (2) existing buildings. The developer has indicated due to change in space requirements George Fischer Sloane no longer uses the building and parking areas located on proposed Tract B-7. In order to February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-185-Y 2 sell the office space and land to a new owner the property must be subdivided thus creating this building setback variance. The second variance is to allow the creation of a pipe stem lot for Tract B-7. The owner will retain ownership of the existing pond which will be located on either side of the pipe stem lot. Access to Tract B-4R is by a drive along the west side of the tract. Access to B-7 will be across the existing bridge. There is a walkway that connects the building on Tract B-7 with the smaller building on Tract B-4R. This walkway is to be removed. The utilities to the building on Tract B-7 will be separated from the utilities on Tract B-4R by locating the new utilities in a 30-foot Utility Easement provided on the west side of Tract B-3R and just south of Tract B-1. Tract B-3R is also proposed for replatting. A corner of Tract B-3R will be incorporated into Tract B-7. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is located in the Little Rock Port Industrial Park and is presently zoned I-3, Industrial District. There are three buildings located on the site contained on a single parcel. A single user previously occupied the office buildings and manufacturing space. There is a large pond located along Sloane Drive. Sloane Drive has been constructed to Master Street Plan standard. There are areas of vacant industrially zoned lands in the immediate vicinity. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area resident. All abutting property owners were notified of the Public Hearing. There is not an active Neighborhood Association located in the area. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: No comments. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. Entergy: No comment received. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-185-Y 3 Center-Point Energy: Approved as submitted. AT & T: No comment. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. Installation of public water main across Sloane Drive and private fire facilities will be required to serve this property. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for installation of water facilities. Approval of plans by the Arkansas Department of Health Engineering Division and Little Rock Fire Department is required. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of the meter connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. This development will have minor impact on the existing water distribution system. Proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located on CATA Bus Route #20 – the College Station Bus Route. Parks and Recreation: No comment. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. Landscape: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) Mr. Walter Spaul with Garver Engineers and representatives of the owner were present. Staff presented an overview of the proposed request indicating there were two variances associated with the proposed replat. Staff stated the variances were to allow a reduced building setback and to allow the creation of a pipe stem lot. Staff stated there were no outstanding technical issues associated with the request in need of addressing. Staff noted comments provided by the various other February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-185-Y 4 departments and agencies stating if there were specific concerns the applicant should contact the agency directly. The Committee members questioned why the pipe stem lot was being created. Mr. Spaul stated the owners desired to retain ownership of the pond located on either side of the pipe stem lot. He stated access across the existing bridge would be transferred to the new owner to allow access to the new lot. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: There were no technical issues in need of addressing raised at the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant is requesting a replat of these previously platted lots. There are two (2) variances associated with the request. The first is a variance to allow a reduced building setback from 30-feet to 12.75 feet between the two (2) existing buildings and the second variance is to allow the creation of a pipe stem lot for Tract B-7. The applicant has indicated, due to change in space requirements, the owner no longer uses the building and parking areas located on proposed Tract B-7. In order to sell the office space and land to a new owner, the property must be subdivided. Based on the current construction, the buildings were constructed 25.5 feet apart which is less than the typical 30-foot building setback required for I-3, Industrial District zoned property, thus creating the building setback variance. There is a walkway that connects the building on Tract B-7 with the smaller building on Tract B-4R. This walkway is to be removed. The utilities to the building on Tract B-7 will be separated from the utilities on Tract B-4R by locating the new utilities in a 30-foot utility easement provided for on the west side of Tract B-3R and just south of Tract B-1. The variance associated with the creation of the pipe stem lot is the result of the owner’s desire to retain ownership of the existing pond. As proposed, Tract B-4R will have a lot width of 58.17-feet on Sloane Drive with a stem extending to the site creating the access drive to Tract B-4R. Staff is supportive of the proposed replat. The applicant has proposed the replatting of Tract B-2, B-3 and B-4 Area 103 into four industrial lots presently zoned I-3, Industrial District. The lots will all have access to the public street. Although there are two variances associated with the request, staff does not feel the associated variances will significantly February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-185-Y 5 impact the development or the area. The lots as proposed range in size from 4.15 acres to 40.61 acres which is more than adequate area to meet the typical minimum ordinance requirements for the zoning district or one (1) acre. To staff’s knowledge there are no outstanding technical issues associated with the request. Staff does not feel the replat will significantly impact the area or any future development. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. Staff recommends approval of the variance request from Section 31-314(1) to allow a reduced building setback line located between Lots B4-R and Tract B-7 and from Section 31-313(b) to allow the creation of a pipe stem lot. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. Staff also presented recommends of approval of the variance request from Section 31-314(1) to allow a reduced building setback line located between Lots B4-R and Tract B-7 and from Section 31-313(b) to allow the creation of a pipe stem lot. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes, 3 absent and 1 recusal (Commissioner Yates). February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 2 FILE NO.: S-1313-T NAME: Woodlands Edge Phase 9 Revised Preliminary Plat LOCATION: Located on Foxfield Lane DEVELOPER: Rocket Properties, Inc. 2024 Arkansas Valley Drive Little Rock, AR 72212 ENGINEER: White Daters and Associates 24 Rahling Road Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 10.0+ acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 28 FT. NEW STREET: 300+ LF CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family PLANNING DISTRICT: 18 – Ellis Mountain CENSUS TRACT: 42.07 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: 1. A variance from Section 31-203 and the Master Street Plan to allow an increased street grade for Foxfield Lane. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: A preliminary plat to develop 87.7 acres with 153 lots in four phases was approved by the Planning Commission on April 12, 2007. The approval allowed a number of variances related to lot development standards and street design standards. The developers have begun construction of the subdivision and have determined variances from the Master Street Plan are required to construct Foxfield Lane. The first is a variance to allow for the design of a 20 MPH sight distance on Foxfield Lane near Station 9+00. The reasoning for the request is an existing 24-inch water main is located in this area which when the water main was installed, the appropriate cover was not placed over the pipe. Central February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 2 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1313-T 2 Arkansas Water has indicated the water main is a “Distribution Pipe” and cannot be taken out of service to allow for lowering of the pipe. The second variance request is related to the cul-de-sac crest located near Station 2+00. According to the applicant it is doubtful a vehicle will be driving 30 MPH in this area and the developers would like the flexibility to design the street to fit the natural terrain better than a 30 MPH design standard allows. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is tree covered as is the property to the west. Preliminary work has begun on the street with the extension of Woodlands Trail to the north ending in a barricade just south of this property. Foxfield Lane to the east has been completed, final platted and new homes are being constructed. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area resident. The Woodlands Edge Community Association and all abutting property owners were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Curve at Station 2+10.00 provides 137 feet of Stopping Sight Distance which is less than the minimum required Stopping Sight Distance of 200 feet as required by ordinance. Contact Nat Banihatti, Traffic Engineering, for additional assistance at 379-1818. 2. Curve at Station 9+10.00 provides 148 feet of Stopping Sight Distance which is less than the minimum required Stopping Sight Distance of 200 feet as required by ordinance. Contact Nat Banihatti, Traffic Engineering, for additional assistance at 379-1818. 3. Redesign the curves to provide the minimum required Stopping Sight Distance of 200 feet or obtain variance from Planning Commission by incorporating traffic calming devices into the roadway to ensure slow speeds. 4. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). 5. No vehicle parking will be allowed in the cul-de-sac of Foxfield Lane due to pavement width. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 2 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1313-T 3 6. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineer 379-1813 (Steve Philpott) for more information. E. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) Mr. Joe White was present representing the request. Staff stated a revision to a previously approved preliminary plat was being requested to allow variances from the Master Street Plan related to the street design and construction. Public Works noted streetlights would be required at the time of final platting of the subdivision. Staff also stated the curve at Station 2+10.00 and Station 9+10.00 did not allow proper Stopping Sight Distance and should be redesign to allow for the minimum required Stopping Sight Distance. Staff noted the Commission could approve a variance request to allow the distance to be less than the 200-feet as required by the ordinance. Mr. White stated the street was a minor residential street and he did not feel there would be a great deal of traffic on the street. He stated he felt there were traffic calming devices which could be installed to slow speeds. Staff stated the cul-de-sac as indicated would not allow parking due the current design with the landscape island. Mr. White stated he would meet with staff to discuss options for the street design and development standards. Staff noted there were no other outstanding technical issues associated with the request. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. F. ANALYSIS: The applicant is seeking a variance from the Master Street Plan to allow the design of the street to allow a variance from the Master Street Plan for two locations on Foxfield Lane. The Master Street Plan and the latest edition of AASHTO do not agree on the minimum distances for the required stopping sight distance for a residential street. There is currently a review of the Master Street Plan taking place and this item will be recommended for change to comply with the current AASHTO standard. The applicant has met with Public Works staff and has modified the proposed street grades to obtain an adequate sight distance in compliance with the latest edition of the AASHTO standards. Staff is supportive of the variance request. G. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the variance request as currently proposed by the applicant. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 2 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1313-T 4 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the variance request as currently proposed by the applicant. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 3 FILE NO.: S-1530-A NAME: Arkansas Realtors Revised Preliminary Plat LOCATION: Located on Executive Center Drive DEVELOPER: Arkansas Realtors Association 1701 Centerview Drive, Suite 201 Little Rock, AR 72211 ENGINEER: White-Daters and Associates 24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 4.5 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: O-3, General Office District PLANNING DISTRICT: 11 – I-430 CENSUS TRACT: 24.04 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: 1. A variance from Section 31-210(2) to allow a variation from the minimum driveway spacing requirement. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: A preliminary plat was approved by the Planning Commission at their August 3, 2006, public hearing to allow the creation of two office zoned lots from this property containing 4.5 acres. The developer proposed to subdivide the property with the rear lot being created with a variance from the Subdivision Ordinance, Section 31-231, to allow the creation of a lot without public street frontage. The rational was the depth of the property relative to the width and a “draw” running through the property which provided a natural lot line. Access to the lot was provided from a common access easement located along the eastern perimeter of Lot 1. Lots 1 and 2 would share and maintain the cost of the driveway. Lot 2 February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1530-A 2 would be developed as an office building for the Arkansas Realtors Association and Lot 1 would be held for future development. The developers are now seeking a revision to the previously approved preliminary plat to allow a variance from the minimum driveway spacing requirement of the Subdivision Ordinance. The developers are seeking to place the drive along the western property line to better serve the development. There are no modifications proposed to the previously approved lot layout. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is tree covered as is the property to the east. To the south of the site is a large office building. To the west of the site are two additional office buildings. Centerview Drive has been constructed to Master Street Plan standard with the exception of a sidewalk adjacent to the site. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area resident. The John Barrow Neighborhood Association and all abutting property owners were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Align the proposed private drive with the existing driveway to the south. 2. Relocate streetlight. 3. Sidewalks with appropriate handicap ramps are required to be installed on both sides of the private drive in accordance with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan. 4. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). 5. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be required prior to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site grading, and drainage plans will need to be submitted and approved prior to the start of construction. Per City code grading for the drive cannot begin until construction is imminent on Lots 1 or 2. 6. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1530-A 3 E. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) Mr. Joe White was present representing the request. Staff presented an overview of the proposed revisions to the previously approved preliminary plat stating the variance was associated with the driveway placement. Staff stated the ordinance typically required the drive to be placed a minimum of 250-feet from intersections and 150-feet from the property line or drives to be shared by adjoining property owners. Staff requested the drive location align with the driveway located to the south. Staff noted a grading permit would be required at the time of construction. Staff also noted any broken curb, gutter or sidewalk that was damaged in the right of way must be repaired prior to occupancy. Staff noted there were no other outstanding technical issues associated with the request. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. F. ANALYSIS: There were no technical issues in need of addressing raised at the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant is seeking a revision to a preliminary plat which was approved by the Planning Commission at their August 3, 2006, public hearing. The approval allowed the creation of two office zoned lots on this property which contains 4.5 acres. Access to the lots was proposed from a common access easement located along the eastern perimeter of Lot 1. The developers are seeking to revise the plat to allow access along the western property line. The drive will continue to serve the two lots and the two lots will continue to share in the cost of maintenance of the drive. A variance from the minimum driveway spacing requirement of the Subdivision Ordinance is required to allow the drive along the eastern perimeter. Typically drives are to be placed 125-feet from the property line with a minimum spacing requirement of 250-feet. Staff is supportive of the request. The developers have indicated the drive will be aligned with an existing driveway located to the south. According to the applicant all other Public Works comments and conditions will be complied with at the time of development of the lots. Staff does not feel the placement of the drive as proposed will significantly impact the development or the area. G. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments as outlined in paragraph D of the above agenda staff report. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1530-A 4 Staff recommends approval of the variance request from Section 31-210(2) to allow a variation from the minimum driveway spacing requirement. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments as outlined in paragraph D of the agenda staff report. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the variance request from Section 31-210(2) to allow a variation from the minimum driveway spacing requirement. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 4 FILE NO.: S-1605 NAME: Big Oak Subdivision Preliminary Plat LOCATION: Located on Baseline Road and Victoria Drive DEVELOPER: Card Investments, LLC 17200 Chenal Parkway, Suite 300 PMB 356 Little Rock, AR 72223 ENGINEER: Development Consultants, Inc. 2200 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 220 Little Rock, AR 72212 AREA: 6.10 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 26 FT. NEW STREET: 885 LF CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family PLANNING DISTRICT: 15 – Geyer Springs West CENSUS TRACT: 41.05 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: 1. A variance to allow a reduced front building line (Section 31-256). 2. A variance to allow reduced lot depths (Section 31-232). 3. A variance to allow a reduced lot depth adjacent to a main line railroad line (Section 31-232(g)). 4. A variance to allow the placement of an eight (8) foot fence around the perimeter of the site. 5. A variance from Section 31-232(f) to allow the creation of a pipe stem lot (Lot 12). A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The developers are seeking preliminary plat approval to allow the development of 6.10 acres with 25 single-family residential lots and one (1) tract. The lots are proposed containing an average lot size of 0.232 acres with a minimum lot size February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 4 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1605 2 of 7,000.23 square feet (0.161 acres). The development will provide 795 linear feet of new public street. There are variances associated with the proposed plat. The variances include a reduced front yard setback, an eight foot privacy fence around the perimeter of the property, reduced lot depths, reduced lot depths for lots abutting a main railroad line and the creation of a pipe stem lot. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site was previously a manufactured home park. Presently all the units been removed. To the east of the site is a manufactured home park and to the west are single-family homes. Further west is an apartment complex with gates which appear to close during the evening hours. A main rail line is located along the southern perimeter of the property. To the north, along Baseline Road is an apartment complex, an industrial use and a single-family home. The manufactured home park took access from Baseline Road as well as Victoria Drive and both curb-cuts are in tact. Victoria Drive is a residential street with curb and gutter. There is no sidewalk along the property frontage. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area resident. Southwest Little Rock United for Progress, the West Baseline Neighborhood Association and all abutting property owners were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Big Oak Court should be constructed to Master Street Plan standards. The preliminary plat shows the right-of-way to 50 feet in width; the street to be 26 feet wide; and a 5 foot sidewalk on both sides. 2. A 20 foot radial dedication of right-of-way is required at the intersection of Big Oak Court and Victoria Drive. 3. Sidewalks with appropriate handicap ramps are required to be installed on Victoria Drive along the frontage of the property in accordance with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan. 4. Close curb cut on Baseline Road and match sidewalk across Tract A. 5. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 4 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1605 3 6. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). 7. Obtain permits for improvements within State Highway right-of-way from AHTD, District VI. 8. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property. Show the proposed location for storm water detention facilities on the plan. If developed flows are less than pre-developed flows detention will not be required for this property. Controls should be installed to reduce damage from storm water runoff onto adjacent properties. 9. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering 379-1813 (Steve Philpott) for more information. 10. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the start of construction. 11. Obtain permits prior to doing any street cuts or curb cuts. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way. Contact Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner) for more information. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer main extension required, with easements. Contact Little Rock Wastewater at 688-1414. Entergy: Approved as submitted. Center-Point Energy: Center-Point Energy has an existing gas main located within the proposed development area which may be in conflict with the proposed plat. Contact Center-Point Energy for additional information. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of the meter connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. A water main extension will be required in order to provide service to this property. This development will have minor impact on the existing water distribution system. Proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 4 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1605 4 Fire Department: Install and place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located near CATA Bus Routes #17 and #17A, the Mabelvale- Downtown and Mabelvale-UALR Routes. Parks and Recreation: No comment. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. Landscape: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) Mr. Robert Brown and Mr. Ed Hankins were present representing the request. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development stating as presented there were a number of variances associated with the request. Staff stated they felt it was important to increase the depth of the lots adjacent to a main railroad line to allow for proper separation. Mr. Brown stated he would redesign the plat to reduce the impact on the lots adjacent to the railroad main line. Mr. Brown questioned staff’s request for the total lot area of Lot 16. Staff stated it was difficult to determine if the lot met the 7,000 minimum lot size requirement but once the lots were redesigned to increase the depth for the lots adjacent to the railroad this would more than likely eliminate staff’s concern for the lot area of this proposed lot. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated Big Oak Court should be constructed to Master Street Plan standard. Staff noted a reduced right of way width and reduced street paving would meet the Master Street Plan requirements. Staff also stated if the street was constructed to a minor residential street standard, sidewalks would not be required. Staff stated sidewalks would be required along Victoria Drive and Baseline Road. Staff requested the curb cut on Tract A be removed and closed limiting access to the development from Victoria Drive. Staff noted streetlights would be required at the time of final platting. Staff also stated a grading permit would be required and the Storm water detention ordinance requirements would also apply to development of the site. Staff noted comments provided by the various other departments and agencies stating if there were specific concerns the applicant should contact the agency February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 4 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1605 5 directly. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised preliminary plat to staff addressing most of the issues raised at the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. Several of the lots adjacent to the railroad track have been increased to allow for the proper depth of lots adjacent to a main railroad line. Lots 14 and 15 have not been indicated with the 175-foot depth. The revised preliminary plat indicates the variance request for the street design is no longer being request. The applicant has indicated the street will be designed to a minor residential street standard which eliminates the need for a variance to reduce the centerline radius. The lots are indicated with a reduced front building setback of 15-feet adjacent to Big Oak Court. The ordinance typically requires the placement of a 25-foot building setback along the street frontages. The site plan indicates Lots 14 and 15 with less than the 175-foot typically required lot depth for lots abutting a mainline railroad right of way. The lots are indicated with a 149.35 foot depth. The ordinance states the 175-foot depth is necessary to ensure proper separation of the residences from the adjacent railroad line. The request includes a variance to allow the placement of an eight (8) foot fence around the perimeter of the site and within the required building setback. The ordinance typically allows the placement of a six foot fence on the perimeters of the property. The plat indicates Lots 10 and 11 with a depth less than the 100-foot depth typically required per the Subdivision Ordinance. The lot depth along the common lot line is 72.48 feet. The lots are indicated with 7,043 and 7,061 square feet of lot area. The plan indicates the creation of a pipe stem lot for Lot 12. The lot is indicated with a stem of 57.15 feet and the width at the street is 20 feet. The ordinances states the creation of pipe stem lots is prohibited but the definition of a pipe stem lot indicates the minimum width of the stem at the street right of way shall be 30-feet and the maximum depth of the pipe stem lot including the stem shall be 300-feet. The lot as proposed does not meet this typical minimum criteria. Staff is supportive of the proposed subdivision and the associated variances. The site has had a history of an undesirable use. The development is proposed as a new single-family subdivision which will bring new families into the area which will have a stake in the success of the neighborhood. Although there are a number of variances associated with the request staff does not feel individually or collectively they will significantly impact the development or the area as a whole. To staff’s knowledge there are no outstanding technical issues associated with the request. Staff feels the development of this new subdivision at a density of 4.09 units per acres is an appropriate development for the site. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 4 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1605 6 I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. Staff recommends approval of the variance request to allow a reduced front building line (Section 31-256). Staff recommends approval of the variance to allow reduced lot depths (Section 31-232). Staff recommends approval of the variance to allow a reduced lot depth adjacent to a main line railroad line (Section 31-232(g)). Staff recommends approval of the variance to allow the placement of an eight (8) foot fence around the perimeter of the site. Staff recommends approval of the variance request to allow the creation of a pipe stem lot and the variance associated with the development standards of the pipe stem lot. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) Mr. Robert Brown was present representing the application. There were no registered objectors present. The Chair informed the applicant there were eight (8) Commissioner’s present. The Chair stated when the Commission had fewer than nine (9) members present the applicant was offered the right to defer his or her item to a later public hearing. Mr. Robert Brown requested the item be deferred to the February 28, 2008, public hearing. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to defer the item to the February 28, 2008, public hearing. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 5 FILE NO.: S-1606 NAME: Dailey Drive Subdivision Preliminary Plat LOCATION: Located on Dailey Drive, South of Baseline Road DEVELOPER: Robert Lawrence 309 Warren Lane Inglewood, CA 90302 ENGINEER: ETC Engineers and Architects, Inc. 1510 S. Battery Street Little Rock, AR 72202 AREA: 3.5 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 21 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family PLANNING DISTRICT: 15 – Geyer Springs West CENSUS TRACT: 41.06 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: 1. A variance from Section 31-232 and Section 36-254(4) to allow a reduced lot width for Lots 2 – 20. 2. A variance to Section 36-254(4) to allow the creation of lots with a reduced lot area. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The developer is proposing the subdivision of this 3.5-acre site into 21 single- family residential lots. The lots are proposed with two (2) variances from the lot development standards of the Subdivision Ordinance. The variances include the development of lots with less than the typical minimum lot width of 60-feet and lot areas less than the typical 7,000 square foot minimum established by the Subdivision Ordinance. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 5 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1606 2 B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site was formerly a manufactured home park with all but one of the units being removed. To the east is a US Post office. To the west are single-family homes. There is a large undeveloped parcel to the north of the site along Baseline Road and a new office building has been constructed to the northwest. After leaving Baseline Road, the area is predominately single-family. Approximately two blocks east is the Southwest Little Rock Community Center and Police Substation. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has not received any comment from area residents. Southwest Little Rock United for Progress, Chicot Neighborhood Association and all abutting property owners were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. 2. Sidewalks with appropriate handicap ramps are required to be installed along Dailey Drive in accordance with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan. 3. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering 379-1813 (Steve Philpott) for more information. 4. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. 5. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property. Show the proposed location for storm water detention facilities on the plan. 6. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. Entergy: Approved as submitted. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 5 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1606 3 Center-Point Energy: Approved as submitted. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of the meter connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. A water main extension will be required in order to provide service to this property. This development will have minor impact on the existing water distribution system. Proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection. Fire Department: Install and place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located near CATA Bus Routes #17 and #17A, the Mabelvale- Downtown and Mabelvale-UALR Routes. Parks and Recreation: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. Landscape: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) The applicant was not present. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development stating there were a number of issues and concerns which would need addressing prior to the item being forwarded to the Commission. Staff stated they would contact the applicant directly to work on the concerns. Commissioner Laha stated he would contact the engineer to invite him to the neighborhood association meeting to answer questions and provide additional information concerning the proposed development. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 5 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1606 4 H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised preliminary plat to staff addressing a number of the issues raised by staff at the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant has indicated a sidewalk will be placed along Dailey Drive and indicated streetlights will be installed with the final platting of the lots. The developer is proposing the subdivision of this 3.5 acre site into 21 single- family residential lots. The lots are proposed with two (2) variances from the lot development standards of the Subdivision Ordinance; to allow the development of lots with less than the typical minimum lot width of 60-feet and a lot areas less than the typical 7,000 square foot minimum established by the ordinance. Lots 2 – 7 are indicated ranging in size from 6,974 square feet to 6,829 square feet. The remaining lots range from 7,003 square feet to 8,464 square feet which is adequate to meet the typical minimum lot area requirement. Lots 2 – 20 are indicated with a lot width of 50-feet. The property is presently zoned R-2, Single- family which typically requires a minimum lot width of 60-feet. Staff is supportive of the subdivision and the two variances associated with the request. The lots are indicated with setbacks typical of the R-2, Single-family Zoning District; allowing a 25-foot front and rear yard setback and 5-foot side yard setbacks. With the indicated lot widths, lot areas and the proposed setbacks this allows for a building footprint on the smallest of the lots of 3,400 square feet which is a greater footprint than the existing homes in the area. The development is proposed with an overall density of 6 units per acre which is not out of character with single-family development in the City. Staff does not feel the creation of the plat as proposed will significantly impact the area if developed as proposed. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. Staff recommends approval of the variance request to allow Lots 2 – 20 to develop with a reduced lot width and the variance to allow Lots 2 – 7 to develop with a reduced lot area. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was not present. There were no objectors present. Staff informed the Commission that the applicant had failed to send the required notices and the item February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 5 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1606 5 needed to be deferred. There was no further discussion. The item was placed on the consent agenda and deferred to the February 28, 2008 meeting. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 6 FILE NO.: S-1231-C NAME: Chenal Commons Subdivision Site Plan Review LOCATION: Located at 12801 Chenal Parkway DEVELOPER: Shantell Barnes Commercial Property Manager Inland Continental Property Management Corp. 2901 Butterfield Road Oak Brook, IL 60523 ENGINEER: White Daters and Associates 24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 5.5 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: C-3, General Commercial District PLANNING DISTRICT: 18 – Ellis Mountain CENSUS TRACT: 42.10 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: 1. A variance from Section 36-523 to allow two (2) dumpster facilities located along West Markham Street to not be screened. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: A Subdivision Site Plan Review for the development of Lot 9R Hillvale Addition was approved by the Planning Commission on August 27, 1999. The approval allowed the development of the site with approximately 70,000 square feet of retail space and 284 parking spaces. Per the original site plan approval, a total of four (4) trash containers with appropriate screening was approved. Currently, one trash container is screened and is located on the west end of the property adjacent to Chenal Parkway. A second, container screen previously existed on the east side of the property, but was removed by management due to its February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 6 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1231-C 2 dilapidated condition. The owners are in the process of reconstruction of this screening enclosure. The developers are requesting the removal of the screening requirement for the remaining two dumpster enclosure locations which are located on the rear of the site (along West Markham Street). According to the applicant they do not appear to be needed due to the height and length of the berm and the retaining wall that runs along the rear of the property and along West Markham Street. The applicant states the berm and retaining wall provide adequate screening at these two locations and the trash containers in these two locations are not visible from West Markham Street nor are they in public view. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is a developed commercial site containing a number of retail uses. There are four dumpster locations on the site, only one of which as been screened. The unscreened locations are located along Gamble Road and Atkins Road. The dumpster locations along Gamble Road are located behind the building. The location along Atkins Road is located within the parking lot area along the end of the building. Uses in the area include two automobile dealerships, a bank and commercial uses along Chenal Parkway. The commercial uses include a strip center, Target and Home Depot directly north of the site. South of the site is vacant O-3, General Office District zoned property and a church located on R-2, Single-family zoned property. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received two informational phone calls from the Gibralter Heights/Point West/Timber Ridge Neighborhood Association. The Gibralter Heights/Point West/Timber Ridge Neighborhood Association and all property owners located within 200 feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: No comments. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 6 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1231-C 3 Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: Approved as submitted. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: No objection. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located near CATA Bus Route #5, the West Markham Route. Parks and Recreation: No comment. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. Landscape: Replace any dead or diseased landscaping located within the parking lot and street buffer area. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) The applicant was not present. Staff presented an overview of the proposed request stating presently there were four dumpster locations on the site, three of which were not screened. Staff stated the applicant had agreed to screen the three dumpsters located along the eastern portion of the site, near Atkins Road. Staff stated the request was to remove the screening requirement for the other two single dumpsters located along the rear of the building and adjacent to West Markham Street. Staff stated the applicant had indicated the dumpsters were not visible from the street and this was their justification for the request and the removal of the screening requirement. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: There were no changes to the site plan necessary as a result of the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant is seeking approval to not screen two dumpster locations on the site. The two dumpsters are located along the rear of the building visible from West Markham Street and Gamble Road. According to the applicant, the grade of West Markham Street does not allow the dumpsters to be viewed from the abutting roadways. The applicant has indicated a screening fence will be placed around the three dumpsters located within the February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 6 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1231-C 4 parking lot on the east side of the building. Per Section 36-298(2) Dumpsters and trash containment areas shall not be located within the front yard setback area or street side or exterior side yard setback area. Dumpsters and trash containment areas shall be screened as required by Section 36-523. Section 36-523(d) states dumpsters or trash containment areas shall be screened and the screen shall exceed the height of the dumpster or trash containment area by at least two (2) feet not to exceed eight (8) feet total height. This requirement may be modified as to location within the buffer when a circumstance unique to a site indicates that the screening will not serve its intended purpose and may, in some fashion, be inappropriate. Staff feels the dumpster facilities should be screened per the typical ordinance standard. In staff’s opinion, the dumpster facilities are visible from West Markham Street and from Gamble Road. To meet the intent of the ordinance for the allowance to not screen a dumpster facility, the facilities are to not be visible from the abutting roadways and should be screened with natural topography or vegetation which is not the case here. Both containers are somewhat visible from West Markham Street and highly visible from Gamble Road. In addition the screening fence offers an additional element of containment of the trash within the enclosure thus reducing litter in the area. Staff feels all dumpster locations should be screened per typical minimum ordinance requirements. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends denial of the request as filed. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was not present. There were no objectors present. Staff informed the Commission that the applicant had not provided staff with the notification of property owners as required by the Commission’s By-laws and the item needed to be deferred. There was no further discussion. The item was placed on the consent agenda and deferred to the March 27, 2008 meeting. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 7 FILE NO.: Z-3371-U NAME: The Village at Brodie Creek Revised Preliminary Plat, Zoning Site Plan Review and Land Alteration Variance Request LOCATION: Located on the Northwest corner of Colonel Glenn Road and I-430 DEVELOPER: CGBRD 1 LLC 425 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 300 Little Rock, AR 72201 ENGINEER: White-Daters and Associates #24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72224 AREA: 81.6 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 12 FT. NEW STREET: 300 CURRENT ZONING: C-2 – Shopping Center District PLANNING DISTRICT: 18 – Ellis Mountain CENSUS TRACT: 24.05 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: 1. A variance from Section 36-300(e)(2) to allow the creation of lots less than five acres. 2. A variance from Section 36-200(e)(2) to allow reduced lot widths for Lots 1, 2, 9, 10, 13 and 14. 3. A variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of the entire site (2 phases). 4. A variance from Section 36-300(e)(1) to allow a reduced building setbacks from 40-feet to 25-feet and 30-feet. 5. A variance from Section 36-522 to remove the buffer requirement along the northern property line adjacent to Bowman Road. 6. A variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow an increased slope on selected cuts on the site. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 2 7. A variance from Article X Section 36-554 to allow signage in excess of the typically allowed signage for a commercial development. BACKGROUND: A preliminary plat for the subdivision of 87.137 acres zoned C-2, Shopping Center District was approved by the Planning Commission at their March 11, 2004, Public Hearing. The applicant intended to subdivide the site into four (4) lots to be marketed for C-2 commercial uses. The minimum lot size proposed was 225 feet by 225 feet or 1.162 acres for three lots which abutted Colonel Glenn Road with the bulk of the property contained in proposed Lot 4. The three peripheral lots were under separate ownership. On April 22, 2004, the Little Rock Planning Commission approved a site plan review for the development of this 81.6 acres as a shopping center and a preliminary plat to create 12 non-residential lots (previously approved Lot 4 of the I-430/Colonel Glenn Subdivision). The project consisted of 484,849 square feet of department stores, retail space and restaurant space. Parking was proposed at 2,546 parking spaces. The developer proposed to subdivide the site into nine lots and three tracts with the remaining property held by the developer. The approval allowed tenants to own property in fee. Bowman Road frontage would be improved to the minor arterial standard as required by the Master Street Plan. Right-of-way dedicated on 36th Street was required, however, a deferral of street improvements until some development occurred on the 36th Street frontage was approved. The Commission approved a variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow the grading of the site with the Phase I development. That development never occurred. On August 16, 2007, the Little Rock Planning Commission approved a Zoning Site Plan Review to allow the development of 81.69 acres with a shopping center development. The site plan indicated the placement of 387,065 square feet of retail shops, a 75,000 square foot hotel, 25,000 square feet of restaurant space for a total building area of 487,065 square feet. Parking was proposed at 2,285 spaces. Variances from various ordinance development standards were approved. Two variances from the Land Alteration Ordinance were approved. One to allow advanced grading of a portion of the site with the development of the first phase and second a February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 3 variance to allow an increased slope. The applicant sought variances from the Subdivision Ordinance to allow the creation of lots without public street frontage. A variance from the Zoning Ordinance to allow a reduced buffer along the northern perimeter and the Interstate Frontage was approved. The request also included a variance from the Zoning Ordinance to allow a reduced building setback for the internal lots. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant is now proposing to amend the previously approved site plan, preliminary plat and land alteration variance request. The site plan and preliminary plat are somewhat similar to the previous approval with regard to lot layout and potential building footprints. The revision is for the most part related to the variance request from the Land Alteration Ordinance. The developer is requesting to grade the entire site with the issuance of a building permit on two buildings. The developer is proposing to not begin any construction or clearing until construction is imminent for the retail building on Colonel Glenn Road and one of the large lots on top of the hill. During the grading process buffers will remain until additional interior lots are developed. A plan has been provided to ensure visibility into the site is obscured during the grading process. A plan for the removal of the temporary buffers and the final development of the lots has also been provided. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is tree covered, abutting I-430 and Bowman Roads. There is a creek located within the site with a portion of the site abutting West 36th Street. The site slopes to the north from Colonel Glenn Road. There are a number of non-residential uses in the area including an automobile dealership, a movie theater, a nursing school and a strip office/showroom/warehouse development. Further southwest of the site is a public school, Fair High School, located on David O Dodd Road. North of the site are single-family homes located along South Bowman Road and West 36th Street. The Church at Rock Creek is also located to the north accessed from West 36th Street. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received several informational phone calls from area residents. The John Barrow Neighborhood Association, Southwest Little Rock United for Progress and all property owners located within 200 feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 4 D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. 36th Street is classified on the Master Street Plan as a minor arterial. A dedication of right-of-way 45 feet from centerline will be required. 2. With site development, provide the design of street conforming to the Master Street Plan. Construct one-half street improvement to 36th Street, Bowman Road and Colonel Glenn Road including 5-foot sidewalk with the planned development. An additional lane and improvements will be required on Colonel Glenn Road from the off ramp to the driveway. Staff recommends deferral of construction on 36th Street for 5 years or until adjacent site development whichever occurs first. 3. Additional lanes are needed to be added in each direction of Colonel Glenn Road. These improvements are located off site which the developer is not typically required to install. In the previous application agreements were made to make off site street improvements such as increasing road lanes. 4. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. 5. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). 6. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be required prior to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site grading, and drainage plans will need to be submitted and approved prior to the start of construction. From previous meetings construction of all the buildings was not being proposed. City code (Section 29-186(b)) states no land alteration shall be permitted until all necessary City approval of all plans and permits, except building permit, have been issued and construction is imminent. Imminent construction is defined as the installation of a foundation or erection of a structure without unreasonable delay following land alteration activities. City code (Section 29-187(e)) states variances may be granted, to the extent that the change will not be contrary to the purposes set forth in Section 29-168: (1) to clear and grade a multi-lot or multiphase development where construction is not imminent on all phases of the development. 7. Provide a Sketch Grading and Drainage Plan as required per Section 29-186(e). Provide all wall heights and slopes. Provide undisturbed buffers to remain. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 5 8. A maximum of 30 vertical feet of fill or excavation (3-10 foot vertical terraces or 2-15 foot vertical terraces) is permitted however additional development areas may be constructed a minimum of 150 feet in width at a slope no more than 8%. The maximum of 30 feet of fill or excavation may again be utilized. 9. Obtain permits for improvements within State Highway right-of-way from AHTD, District VI. 10. Bowman Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a minor arterial. A dedication of right-of-way 45 feet from centerline will be required. 11. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the start of construction. 12. Street Improvement plans shall include signage and striping. Traffic Engineering must approve completed plans prior to construction. 13. On site striping and signage plans should be forwarded to Public Works, Traffic Engineering for approval with the site development package. 14. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering 379-1813 (Steve Philpott) for more information. 15. Obtain permits prior to doing any street cuts or curb cuts. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way. Contact Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner) for more information. 16. Installation of storm water detention facilities is required. These detention facilities should be operable at the conclusion of grading. Easements for proposed storm water detention facilities are required. 17. Hauling of fill material on or off site over municipal streets and roads requires approval prior to a grading permit being issued. Contact Public Works Traffic Engineering at 621 S. Broadway, (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner) for more information. 18. The proposed streets should be constructed to commercial street standards with sidewalks on both sides as required by the Master Street Plan. 19. Coordinate design of traffic signal upgrade with proposed street improvements. Plans to be forwarded to Traffic Engineering for approval. 20. If conditions have changed from previous applications such as building square footage and uses, submit a Traffic Impact Study for the proposed project. Contact Bill Henry, Traffic Engineering, at 379-1816 for specifics of the traffic study. The previous study showed a Level of Service of E and F February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 6 and traffic would lock up at peek times. In particularly, a recommendation was made to improve the I-430 interchange to maintain a reasonable Level of Service and prevent long traffic delays. 21. The south driveway on the east side of proposed public street should be removed. 22. Provide phase lines as shown in notes. 23. The driveway from Lot 8 onto Brodie Creek Cove must be located at least 250 feet from the right-of-way line of Brodie Creek Boulevard. 24. Driveway locations and widths do not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. Per City code driveways accessing commercial streets are to be located 125 feet from property lines. Lots 7 and 8 and Lots 3 and 4 must share driveway accesses centered on the property line. The width of driveway must not exceed 36 feet. 25. It is unknown at this time if additional variances are needed for issuance of a grading permit. 26. Provide a schedule of grading, street construction, boundary street improvements, and building construction. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer main extension required, with easements. Contact Little Rock Wastewater Utility at 688-1414 for additional information. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: Approved as submitted. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. Installation of public water mains and private fire facilities will be required to serve this property. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for installation of water facilities. Approval of plans by the Arkansas Department of Health Engineering Division and Little Rock Fire Department is required. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of the meter connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges This development will have minor impact on the existing water distribution system. Proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 7 Fire Department: Install and place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is not located on a CATA Bus Route. Parks and Recreation: There are proposed trails located within and to the north of the proposed development area. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. Landscape: 1. Compliance with the City’s Landscape and Buffer Ordinances is required. 2. The landscape ordinance requires a thirty foot wide (30) undisturbed green belt along the Interstate 430. This area is to remain completely undisturbed. 3. The zoning street buffer ordinance requires an average fifty-foot wide (50) landscape area along both Interstate 430 and along Bowman Road. 4. The zoning land use buffer requires a fifty-foot wide (50) land use buffer along the northern perimeter of the site next to the residentially zoned properties. Seventy percent (70%) of these buffers are to remain undisturbed. 5. The site plan reflects residentially zoned properties along the northern perimeter of the site. It is recommended the area be screened visually with vegetation; however, if the proposed vegetation does not meet this visual requirement then a six (6) foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side directed outward will be required. 6. This site is being reviewed as one project; therefore, an overall landscape plan for the sites entirety will need to be submitted and approved prior to the issuance of a building permit. Any changes to the approved plan must be coordinated with the zoning department. Final landscaping requirements will ultimately fall upon the developer prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 7. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required. 8. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, it will be necessary to provide an approved landscape plan stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape Architect. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 8 9. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing trees as feasible on this tree covered site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) The applicant was present representing the request. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development stating there were a number of issues associated with the request remaining outstanding. Staff questioned the areas of improvements for the first phase of construction, requested the areas proposed for buffers, the plans for maintaining, the plans for removal of the temporary buffers and the areas of permanent buffers including the widths of the permanent buffers. Staff also questioned the maximum building height, the screening of mechanical equipment and the signage plan. Staff stated the dumpsters located adjacent to roadways would require screening and requested the applicant provide details of the proposed screening mechanism. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the site plan indicated a variance to allow advanced grading including an area to the south of the site. Staff requested the developer provide a sketch grading and drainage plan. Staff also stated the abutting streets would require dedication and construction to Master Street Plan standards. Staff requested the applicant provide a letter verifying sight distance at the intersections. Staff stated if conditions had changed from the previous applications such as building square footage and uses a traffic impact study for the proposed project was required. Staff questioned if the previous commitments would continue to apply with regard to off site improvements. Mr. Daters stated a traffic light would be installed at Bowman Road and Brodie Creek Blvd, an additional lane would be added along Colonel Glenn from the Southbound exit ramp of I-430 to Brodie Creek Blvd and a financial contribution of $100,000 would be provided to be used for a traffic signal at Brodie Creek Blvd and Colonel Glenn Road or to toward access ramps to or from I-430 or other called for improvements that were required by ordinance. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated the indicated street buffers did not appear to comply with the typical minimum ordinance requirements. Staff stated a small amount of building landscaping would be required at the time of development. Staff stated the buffers and screening along the western perimeter did not comply with typical minimum ordinance standards where the site abutted single-family zoned or used property. Staff requested Mr. Daters provide a site plan with the buffers highlighted. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 9 Staff noted comments from the various other reporting departments and agencies suggesting the applicant contact them directly for additional information and clarification. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing most of the issues raised at the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant has indicated the dimensions of all building setbacks, provided the maximum building height in the general notes section of the site plan and dimensioned the landscape buffer along the northern property line and the Interstate frontage. The applicant is requesting reduced setbacks for all interior lots from the front and side yard setbacks requirement. The development will be developed with a unified development plan and staff does not feel the reduced setbacks will have a negative impact on the adjoining lots. The site plan indicates a maximum building height of 45-feet. The property is presently zoned C-2, Shopping Center District which typically allows a maximum building height of 45-feet. The applicant has indicated tower elements not to exceed 60-feet. The Zoning Ordinance allows steeples, chimneys or similar ornamental structures to be constructed provided the structure does not exceed twice the height permitted in the classification. The indicated structures are within the allowable height for C-2, Shopping Center District zoning. The applicant has indicated all mechanical equipment will be roof mounted and screened from view by parapet walls. The applicant has also indicated the low architectural walls will be faced with stone or brick and conform to the general architectural theme of the center. The applicant has indicated the street buffer along Bowman Road and Colonel Glenn Road to meet the minimum ordinance requirement. The applicant has also indicated landscape islands will be included within the development to soften the impact of the on site paved area complying with the Zoning and Landscape Ordinances. The applicant is requesting a reduced land use buffer along the northwestern property line. The site plan indicates the placement of a 40-foot temporary buffer. The plan indicates the width of the buffer can be achieved but the requirement of 70 percent undisturbed cannot be achieved. The area abuts an adjoining parcel which is bordered by a creek on the northern property line and is not likely to be developed as a residential use. This area will more than likely become a commercial use or be maintained as open space due to the topography and access to the parcel. Staff recommends the 40-foot area be retained and the area replanted upon completion of the grading. A 30-foot landscape strip has been indicated along the Interstate frontage along the February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 10 southern portion of the site. The landscape strip will be as typically required by the zoning buffer ordinance (Section 36-522(3)). Parking for the development will comply with typical parking required for the activity of the future development of the lots. The site plan indicates Office/Retail shops with a total of 262,600 square feet, a hotel with 75,000 square feet and restaurant space of 15,300 square feet. A total of 1,244 parking spaces have been indicated. Lot 14 is proposed with 20,457 square feet of retail space and 5,500 square feet of restaurant space. A total of 234 parking spaces has been indicated on Lot 14. The indicated parking is more than adequate to meet the typical minimum ordinance standards. Office buildings have been indicated on Lots 6, 7 and 8. The buildings range in size from 75,000 square feet to 112,600 square feet. Restaurants are propose for Lots 1 and 5. A hotel is proposed for Lot 4. The site plan indicates adequate parking to serve the proposed uses. The applicant has indicated signage will comply with signage as typically allowed in commercial zones and wall signage is proposed as allowed in commercial zones per the Zoning Ordinance for percentage coverage. In addition the applicant has indicated façade signage, over-door transom signage and blade signage. The total sign area and lettering height is based on the tenant space leased by the retailer but less than typically allowed per the zoning ordinance for wall signage in commercial zones. Signage will be placed on the front of the buildings and on the side or rear of the buildings where the building has street frontage or is visible from a nearby street. The applicant has indicated three development signs. One development sign has been requested along I-430 and is proposed as forty feet in height and a sign area of three hundred square feet. The ordinance typically allows a sign thirty-six feet in height and one hundred sixty square feet in area. Staff is supportive of the increased signage area at this location. Staff recommends the sign height be measured from grade on the applicant’s site and not from the centerline of the adjoining interstate. The remainder of the development signs are proposed as a maximum of thirty-six feet in height and one hundred sixty square feet in area. The proposed signage is consistent with signage allowed in commercial zones. The applicant has indicated signage for each of the proposed lots consistent with signage allowed per commercial zones. The site plan also indicates the placement of building signage along the interior drive and along the street sides. The applicant is requesting approval of the creation of a fifteen-lot plat in conjunction with the site plan review. Property zoned C-2, Shopping Center District typically requires a minimum lot size of five acres, except in those instances where a subdivision site plan and plat proposing peripheral lots and February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 11 multiple ownership is approved by the Commission. The ordinance further states there shall be not less than three hundred feet of district frontage on at least one abutting street, whether for single or multiple building/lot development. Proposed Lots 1, 2, 9, 10, 13 and 14 do not appear to meet the minimum lot width criteria. The lots have public street access. Staff does not feel the development of the lots as proposed will have any adverse impact on adjoining properties. Staff is supportive of the variance request. The applicant has indicated street improvements will be constructed to Bowman Road and Colonel Glenn Road. The applicant is requesting a deferral of street improvements to West 36th Street until adjacent development. Staff is supportive of a five-year deferral of the street improvements to West 36th Street or until adjacent development. The developer has indicated previous commitments for street improvements will be a part of the current application request. The improvements include (1) Traffic light at Bowman Road and Brodie Creek Blvd and related necessary improvements to the intersection of the new road to satisfy the traffic requirements of Brodie Creek Blvd intersecting with Bowman Road. (2) Additional lane along Colonel Glenn from Southbound exit ramp of I-430 at Colonel Glenn to Brodie Creek Blvd intersection at Colonel Glenn and Brodie Creek Blvd. and (3) Financial contribution of up to $100,000 to go toward first, a traffic light at Colonel Glenn Road and Brodie Creek Blvd, and then any or all widening of Colonel Glenn, access ramps to or from I-430 or other called for improvements that are required by ordinance. The applicant is requesting a variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of the site. The applicant is requesting to grade the entire site with the development of Phase I of the building construction and the issuance of two building permits for this 80+ acre tract. The applicant has indicated to balance the site, the advance grading is necessary to eliminate hauling of material from the site during construction of the first phase and then bringing the material back during subsequent phases. The applicant has provided a plan which indicates the retention of temporary undisturbed buffers around the perimeter of the site during the grading process. All areas of the site will be screened from the abutting roadways during the grading process and upon completion of the grading, the buffers will remain until the lot which contains the buffer is developed. Staff recommends the developer catch all water located on the east side of Bowman Road and channel the water to the creek located along the northern property line to eliminate any potential for silting of a nearby drainage way located on the west side of Bowman Road near the northwest corner of this site. The applicant has indicated the development will have 24-hour access seven days per week. Staff is supportive of this request. The development will be a mixed use commercial development with restaurants. The site abuts commercial February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 12 uses to the south and non-residential uses to the west. Staff does not feel the development with the proposed hours will have a negative impact on adjoining properties. The applicant has provided preliminary building elevations and construction materials. Staff continues to have concerns with the massing of the buildings and the view of the rears of the structures when viewed from the adjoining roadways. Staff recommends the buildings be constructed as 360-degree buildings with the rears being treated with architectural elements to break the massing and give the appearance of a false front. Staff recommends the applicant work with staff at the time of building permit to ensure the development is constructed with visual interest and limiting the massing. The dumpster screening has not been addressed. Staff recommends the dumpster facilities located adjacent to the roadways be screened to ensure their appearance from the abutting roadways is not obtrusive. Staff is supportive of the proposed site plan and proposed lot configuration. Staff feels the applicant has done a good job in meeting most of the minimum requirements with regard to a Zoning Site Plan Review for the proposed site with regard to landscaping, access and circulation, signage, maximum building height and parking. Staff is also supportive of the variance request from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow the grading as proposed by the applicant. Staff feels the indicated buffers are adequate to screen the site from the adjoining roadways until the final development of the lots occurs. To staff’s knowledge there are no remaining outstanding technical issues associated with the request. Staff feels the development of the site as proposed should not significantly impact the area. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the requested subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E, F and H of the agenda staff report. Staff recommends the developer catch all water located on the east side of Bowman Road and channel the water to the creek located along the northern property line to eliminate any potential for silting of a nearby drainage way located on the west side of Bowman Road near the northwest corner of this site. Staff recommends approval of the variance request from Section 36-300(e)(2) to allow the creation of lots less than five acres. Staff recommends approval of the variance from Section 36-200(e)(2) to allow reduced lot widths for Lots 1, 2, 9, 10, 13 and 14. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 13 Staff recommends approval of the variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of the entire site with the issuance of two building permits on the site. Staff recommends approval of the variance from Section 36-300(e)(1) to allow a reduced building setback from 40-feet to 25-feet and 30-feet. Staff recommends approval of the variance from Section 36-522 to remove the buffer requirement along the northern property line adjacent to Bowman Road maintaining a 40-foot buffer width and replanting the undisturbed buffer area. Staff recommends approval of the variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow an increased slope on selected cuts on the site. Staff recommends approval of the variance from Article X Section 36-554 to allow signage in excess of the typically allowed signage for a commercial development. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the requested subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E, F and H of the agenda staff report. Staff presented a recommendation the developer catch all water located on the east side of Bowman Road and channel the water to the creek located along the northern property line to eliminate any potential for silting of a nearby drainage way located on the west side of Bowman Road near the northwest corner of this site. Staff also presented a recommendation of approval of the variance request from Section 36-300(e)(2) to allow the creation of lots less than five acres, the variance from Section 36-200(e)(2) to allow reduced lot widths for Lots 1, 2, 9, 10, 13 and 14, the variance request from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow advanced grading of the entire site with the issuance of two building permits on the site, the variance from Section 36-300(e)(1) to allow a reduced building setback from 40-feet to 25-feet and 30-feet, the variance from Section 36-522 to remove the buffer requirement along the northern property line adjacent to Bowman Road maintaining the 40-foot buffer width and replanting the undisturbed buffer area, the variance from the Land Alteration Ordinance to allow an increased slope on selected cuts on the site and the variance to allow a 40 foot retaining wall that extends approximately 250 feet on the east side of the property. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the variance from Article X Section 36-554 to allow signage in excess of the typically allowed signage for a commercial development. Staff also presented a recommendation the south driveway on Lot 8 onto Brodie Creek Cove be located at least 250 feet from the right-of-way of Brodie Creek Boulevard as required by code and a recommendation Lots 7 and 8 and Lots 3 and 4 shared driveways on the property line aligned across from each other and not have separate driveways for each lot as shown on revised plan. Staff presented a February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3371-U 14 recommendation the buildings be constructed as 360 degree buildings with the rear of the buildings being treated with architectural elements to break the massing and give the appearance of false fronts and the applicant work with staff at the time of building permit review to ensure the building were constructed with visual interest and limits on the massing of the rear walls abutting roadways. Staff also presented a recommendation the dumpsters be screened from abutting roadways to ensure their appearance is not obtrusive. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes, 3 absent and 1 abstention (Commissioner Adcock). February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 8 FILE NO.: Z-4336-FF NAME: Children’s Hospital Zoning Site Plan Review LOCATION: Located West of Marshall Street, South of 11th Street DEVELOPER: Arkansas Children’s Hospital Attn: Mr. Scott Gordon, COO 800 Marshall Street Little Rock, AR 72202 ENGINEER: Cromwell Architects and Engineers Attn: Kent Taylor 101 South Spring Street Little Rock, AR 72201 AREA: 8.26 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 Zoning Lot FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: O-2, Office and Institutional District PLANNING DISTRICT: 8 –Central City CENSUS TRACT: 10 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: 1. A variance from the Zoning Ordinance to allow a reduced building setback along Marshall Street (Section 36-280(e)). A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The request is for a site plan review of this O-2, Office and Institutional zoned property located on Marshall Street on the Campus of Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The proposed development consists of the following three components: 1. A single story addition to the Main Energy Building. The proposed addition will be approximately 6,200 square feet and approximately 40 feet tall. This February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 8 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-4336-FF 2 addition is planned to incorporate new generators to provide emergency backup power for critical services on the campus. 2. A new service drive. The new service drive is proposed to come from Marshall Street and go west for approximately 30 feet to the new addition to provide access to the new generators and equipment. 3. A new above ground fuel storage tank. A new above ground fuel storage tank is proposed to provide a substantial fuel source for the new generator so they can provide prolonged emergency backup power. The new tank will be located directly adjacent to the three existing fuel tanks. The request includes a variance from the building setback per City of Little Rock requirements. A setback variance along Marshall Street directly in front of the new building is requested. The building will be set approximately 17 feet from the existing property line on Marshall Street. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is located within the Arkansas Children’s Campus on the west side of Marshall Street just north of the new Nutritional Building. West of the site is the Little Rock Housing Authority multi-rise residential tower. East of the site are office uses for Arkansas Children’s Hospital and a number of parking lots owned by the Hospital. Marshall Street is open as is West 10th Street. A number of the remaining streets within the Campus have been closed. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area resident. The Central High Neighborhood Association, the Capitol Hill Neighborhood Association, the Downtown Neighborhood Association and all property owners located within 200 feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. 2. All driveways shall be concrete aprons per City Ordinance and comply with Public Works commercial driveway detail. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 8 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-4336-FF 3 3. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: Approved as submitted. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. This construction appears to conflict with existing water facilities in the area. If there are facilities that need to be adjusted and/or relocated, contact Central Arkansas Water. That work would be done at the expense of the developer. Contact Central Arkansas Water if larger and/or additional water meter(s) are required. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located near CATA Bus Routes #3 and #11, the Baptist Medical Center Route and the M.L. King, Jr. Route. Parks and Recreation: No comment. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. Landscape: 1. The site plan must comply with the City’s landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. Street trees are encouraged along Marshall Street. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 8 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-4336-FF 4 G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) The applicant was present representing the request. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development stating there were few outstanding issues associated with the request. Staff stated a variance to allow a reduced building setback was being requested. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated all driveways were to be concrete aprons per City ordinance and comply with Public Works commercial driveway details. Staff stated all work in the right of way would require approval prior to the start of work. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated street trees were encouraged along Marshall Street. Staff noted comments provided by the various other departments and agencies stating if there were specific concerns the applicant should contact the agency directly. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: There were no issues raised at the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting in need of addressing. The request is for a zoning site plan review of this O-2, Office and Institutional zoned property located on Marshall Street. The request is to allow a single story addition to the Main Energy Building. The proposed addition will be approximately 6,200 square feet and approximately 40 feet tall. This addition is planned to incorporate new generators to provide emergency backup power for critical services on the campus. A new service drive is proposed from Marshall Street extending west for approximately 30 feet to the new addition to provide access to the new generators and equipment. In addition a new above ground fuel storage tank will be added. The new above ground fuel storage tank is proposed to provide a substantial fuel source for the new generator so they can provide prolonged emergency backup power. The new tank will be located directly adjacent to the three existing fuel tanks. A variance from the building setback per Section 36-280(e) City of Little Rock code is being requested. The setback variance along Marshall Street directly in front of the new building is approximately 17 feet from the existing property line on Marshall Street. The ordinance typically requires a minimum building setback of 25-feet from the property line. Staff is supportive of the variance as proposed. The applicant has indicated along Marshall Street there are currently planting beds, small shrubs and crape myrtles. In this area there are multiple buried utilities and overhead power lines. Due to these utilities, street trees will not be installed in this area. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 8 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-4336-FF 5 Staff is supportive of the request. Staff does not feel the addition to the existing energy building will significantly impact the development or the area. The building is located internal to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Campus and will have little to no impact on the adjoining buildings and parking areas. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. Staff recommends approval of the variance request to allow a reduced building setback along Marshall Street. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. Staff also presented a recommendation of approval of the variance request to allow a reduced building setback along Marshall Street. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 9 FILE NO.: LU08-04-01 Name: Land Use Plan Amendment - Heights-Hillcrest Planning District Location: 1723 North Pierce Street Request: Low Density Residential to Suburban Office Source: Ellen Yeary, Yeary Lindsey Architects PROPOSAL / REQUEST: The applicant has requested this item be withdrawn from consideration. Staff supports this request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The item was placed on consent agenda for withdrawal. By a vote of 8 for and 3 against the consent agenda was approved. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 9.1 FILE NO.: Z-3077-A NAME: Mountain Park Addition Short-form POD LOCATION: Located at 1723 North Pierce Street DEVELOPER: Yeary Lindsey Architects 319 President Clinton Avenue, Suite 201 Little Rock, AR 72201 ENGINEER: McGetrick and McGetrick Engineers 10 Otter Creek Court, Suite A Little Rock, AR 72210 AREA: 0.31 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 Zoning Lot FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family ALLOWED USES: Single-family, Non-conforming Church/Lodge PROPOSED ZONING: POD PROPOSED USE: General and Professional Office uses VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. The applicant submitted a request dated February 4, 2008, requesting withdrawal of this item. Staff is supportive of the withdrawal request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a letter dated February 4, 2008, requesting withdrawal of this item without prejudice. Staff stated they were supportive of the withdrawal request. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 9.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3077-A 2 There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 10 FILE NO.: Z-6808-A NAME: Robertson Properties, LLC Revised Short-form POD LOCATION: Located at 14109 Taylor Loop Road DEVELOPER: Al Robertson 14109 Taylor Loop Road Little Rock, AR 72223 ENGINEER: McGetrick and McGetrick Engineers 10 Otter Creek Court, Suite A Little Rock, AR 72210 ARCHITECT: Terry Burruss 1202 South Main Street, Suite 230 Little Rock, AR 72202 AREA: 0.933 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: POD ALLOWED USES: Office – Publishing Company PROPOSED ZONING: Revised POD PROPOSED USE: Office – Publishing Company, Small building expansion VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. BACKGROUND: Ordinance No. 18,239 adopted by the Little Rock Board of Directors on March 21, 2000, established Robertson Properties, LLC Short-form POD. The approval allowed the conversion of the single-family home into an office use and allowed a small addition to the rear of the building and the addition of parking in the rear yard area. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 10 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6808-A 2 A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The developer is now proposing a revision to the previously approved Planned Office Development to allow Publishing Concepts, Inc, a company that produces quarterly and annual reports, specialty newsletters, etc. for various associations and corporations to expand. At this location, the company prepares the layout for the print jobs. The printing is done off site. The proposal is to allow an approximate 1,750 square foot addition of office space to the rear of the structure. Additional parking is also proposed within the rear yard area connecting to the existing parking area. The site currently houses 15 staff persons and with the expansion the company will be increase employment to 18 persons. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site contains an office development in a converted single-family structure. A single drive accesses the rear parking area. There is a screening fence located along the northern and southern perimeters of the site. North and south of the site are a mixture of single-family homes and quiet office uses. East of the site is the Secluded Hills single-family subdivision. Across Taylor Loop Road are a veterinary clinic and a large retail center formerly a grocery store and most recently a furniture store. There is a property zoned PCD which is approved as a beauty salon and residence located to the southwest of the site. Further west is the Westchester Subdivision. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area resident. The Westchester Property Owners Association, the Westbury Property Owners Association, the Secluded Hills Property Owners Association, all property owners located within 200 feet of the site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. Entergy: No comment received. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 10 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6808-A 3 Center-Point Energy: Approved as submitted. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: Contact Central Arkansas Water if larger and/or additional water meter(s) are required. If a larger and/or additional meter is needed, a Capital Investment Charge based on the size of the meter connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. Additional fire hydrant(s) may be required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department to obtain information regarding the required placement of the hydrant(s) and contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for installation of the hydrant(s). Fire Department: Install and place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located near CATA Bus Route #25, the Highway 10 Express Route. Parks and Recreation: No comment. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the River Mountain Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Transition for this property. The applicant has requested to revise a previously approved Planned Office Development to allow a 1,750 square foot addition to the rear of the structure to be used as office space and additional parking also located in the rear yard area. The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Taylor Loop is shown as a Minor Arterial. A Minor Arterial provides connections to and through an urban area and their primary function is to provide short distance travel within the urbanized area. Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on Taylor Loop since it is a Minor Arterial. This street may require dedication of right-of- way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. Bicycle Plan: A Class I bike route is shown on Taylor Loop Road. A Class I bikeway is built separate from or alongside a road. Additional paving and right of way may be required. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 10 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6808-A 4 Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is covered by the River Mountain Neighborhood Action Plan. The River Mountain Plan does not address this issue. Landscape: 1. The site plan must comply with the City’s landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a nine foot wide (9’) land use buffer along both the northern and southern property line. Seventy percent (70%) of these buffers are to remain undisturbed. 3. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a twenty-three foot wide (23’) land use buffer along the eastern property line. Seventy percent (70%) of the buffer is to remain undisturbed. 4. The zoning street buffer requires an average twenty-three foot wide (23’) street buffer and in no case less than half or eleven and one-half (11.5) feet. 5. The property to the north, south, and east is zoned residential; therefore, a six (6) foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side directed outward, a wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required along the northern, southern, and eastern perimeters of the site. 6. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing trees as feasible on tree covered sites. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) Mr. Terry Burruss was present representing the applicant. Staff stated the request was to allow an addition to an existing office building presently zoned POD. Staff requested the applicant provide the building setbacks, the areas proposed for landscaping and details of the proposed fencing. Staff questioned the location of the condensing units noting there was residentially used property to the north, south and west. Public Works noted any broken curb, gutter or sidewalk that was damaged in the right of way would require replacement prior to occupancy. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated the zoning buffer ordinance required a nine foot minimum landscape strip along the northern and southern property lines. Staff stated a 23-foot wide landscape strip was required February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 10 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6808-A 5 along the eastern perimeter. Staff stated screening would be required along the northern, eastern and southern perimeters as well. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing a number of the issues raised at the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant has provided the building setbacks, the areas proposed for landscaping and details of the proposed fencing. A note concerning the condensing units has been provided on the site plan locating the units away from the residentially used property to the north, south and west. The developer is now proposing a revision to the previously approved Planned Office Development to allow Publishing Concepts, Inc, a company that produces quarterly and annual reports, specialty newsletters, etc. for various associates and corporations to expand. At this location, the company prepares the layout for the print jobs and the actual printing takes place off site. The request will allow a 1,750 square foot addition of office space to the rear of the structure. Additional parking is also proposed within the rear yard area connecting with the existing parking area and expanding eastward. The hours of operation for the site will not change. The hours are typical office hours or from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. There are presently 15 staff persons and with the expansion the company will increase employment to 18 persons. There will not be a dumpster located on the site. The existing building contains a total of 3,007 square feet and the development is proposed with the addition of 1,743 square feet for a total of 4,820 square feet. The site is proposed with a total of 23 parking spaces. Based on the typical minimum parking requirements, 12 parking spaces would be required. The indicated parking is more than adequate to meet the typical parking demand for an office development. There is no new signage proposed. The existing ground mounted sign is located within the front yard area along Taylor Loop Road and there is a small wall sign located on the front face of the building. Staff is supportive of the request. The site plan has indicated landscaping consistent with typical ordinance standards of the Landscape and Buffer ordinances. The site plan also indicates screening which should adequately protect the adjoining residential uses. To staff’s knowledge there are no outstanding issues associated with the request. Staff feels this small office expansion should not significantly impact the area. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 10 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6808-A 6 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 11 FILE NO.: Z-6204-B NAME: Reality of the Gospel World Outreach Revised Short-form POD and Easement Abandonment LOCATION: Located at 9101 Lew Drive DEVELOPER: The Reality of Gospel Ministries P.O. Box 164091 Little Rock, AR 72216 ENGINEER: BT Engineers 1501 Market Street Little Rock, AR 72211 AREA: 0.59 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family ALLOWED USES: Single-family Residential PROPOSED ZONING: POD PROPOSED USE: Church Ministries Headquarters and Administrative Offices VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant is seeking a rezoning of the site from its present R-2, Single-family to Planned Office Development to allow the existing building to be used as a ministry headquarters where the applicant will house his executive offices and a small studio/chapel for prayer and worship services. The site will be used for prayer and/or spiritual counseling. Worship services will be held at a minimum once per month. The applicant will also produce programs in house and for television and duplicating of pre-recorded CDs, DVDs, Books, etc. is also proposed. With the request the developer is proposing the abandonment of an east/west easement. The developer has provided concurrence from the five utility February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 11 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6204-B 2 companies and all have indicated there is not a need to maintain this area as an easement. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site contains an existing non-residential building which was most recently used as a church. Parking is located in the front of the building and is a graveled parking area with grass growing through the graveled area. To the east of the site is a manufactured home park with access from Baseline Road. To the south are two story apartment buildings appearing to be four-plex units. West of the site is an industrial use, a janitorial supply company. Northwest, along Baseline Road, is a NAPA Auto Parts Store. Immediately north of the site is a meeting facility for the Arkansas Association for the Deaf and a small church. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area resident. Southwest Little Rock United for Progress, all property owners located within 200 feet of the site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. Entergy: Approved as submitted. Center-Point Energy: Approved as submitted. AT & T: Approved as submitted. Central Arkansas Water: Central Arkansas Water has no existing or planned facilities located within this easement and has no objection to abandonment of easement rights in the area described. Contact Central Arkansas Water if larger and/or additional water meter(s) are required. If a larger and/or additional meter is needed, a Capital Investment Charge based on the size of the meter connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 11 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6204-B 3 Fire Department: Fire hydrants maybe required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is not located on a CATA Bus Route. Parks and Recreation: No comment. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Geyer Springs East Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Public Institutional for this property. The applicant has applied for a POD and Easement Abandonment to allow uses to include a ministry headquarters with executive offices, small studio/chapel for prayer and worship services and the duplicating of prerecorded CD’s DVD’s, Books and use the site for prayer and/or spiritual counseling. The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Lew Drive is shown as a Local Street. The primary function of a Local Street is to provide access to adjacent properties. Local Streets which are abutted by non-residential zoning/use or more intensive zoning than duplexes are considered as “Commercial Streets”. These streets have a design standard the same as a Collector. This street may require dedication of right-of- way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. Bicycle Plan: There are no bike routes in the immediate vicinity. Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is covered by the Upper Baseline Neighborhood Action Plan. The Human Services Goal states: “Develop facilities to address the social service needs of the area, which include recreational, cultural, and employment opportunities.” Landscape: 1. The site plan must comply with the City’s landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. Parking (existing and new) is not shown on the plan. Landscaping will be required in conjunction with any/all new development of the building or the addition of any new parking. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 11 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6204-B 4 3. Residentially zoned properties are located along the southern and eastern property lines. Therefore, the zoning buffer ordinance will apply on these two sides of the property. A land use buffer of a minimum of six percent of the average width will be required along these two perimeters. 4. Screening will be required along the southern and eastern perimeters. A six (6) foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side directed outward, a wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required along the southern and eastern perimeters of the site. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) The applicant was not present. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development stating there were a number of outstanding technical issues associated with the request in need of addressing. Staff stated they would contact the applicant to discuss options for moving the item forward. Staff stated they would provide the applicant with contact information for Southwest Little Rock United for Progress and suggest the applicant attend the next meeting to address concerns related to the potential use of the property. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing a number of issues and concerns raised by staff at the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. A revised site plan indicating the parking layout has been provided but does not indicate landscaping as typically required per the Landscape and Buffer Ordinances. The ordinance would typically require the placement of a landscape strip of 11.1 feet along the southern perimeter and 9 feet along the eastern perimeter. In addition, a street buffer of not less than 9 feet is required along Lew Drive. Based on a site plan which will meet the typical landscape and buffer requirements 31, parking spaces can be provided. Thirty-one parking spaces will be available on the site. The proposed use of the building is a ministry headquarters office with an occasional church service. The seating capacity of the sanctuary will be 40 persons. Based on the typical parking required for a church, a total of 10 parking spaces would typically be required. The office uses would typically require six parking spaces. The parking as indicated is more than adequate to serve the proposed use. The site plan does not indicate the placement of signage. Staff recommends signage be limited to signage typically allowed in office zones or a maximum of six feet in height and sixty-four square feet in area. In addition staff recommends building signage be limited to signage typically allowed in office zones or a maximum of ten percent of the street side façade area. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 11 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6204-B 5 Screening has not been indicated on the site plan. The property to the east and south is zoned and used residentially. Typically, a year around screening would be required along these perimeters. Staff recommends, if approved, the applicant install the proper screening mechanism along these two perimeters to protect the adjoining residential use. The applicant has indicated there will not be a dumpster located on the site. A storage building is proposed adjacent to the southern portion of the building. The building is proposed as a 10-foot by 20-foot building. The building will be used to store equipment, tables and chairs and archives. The ministry currently has three employees and is anticipated to grow to five employees within the next five years. The office hours of operation are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The site will also host prayer events and educational seminars which will occasionally be held on weekends and after hours. These events will end by 10:00 pm. The site contains an existing graveled parking lot which as been overgrown with weeds. The applicant is seeking a four to five year deferral of the required hard surfacing of the parking lot. Staff is supportive of the allowance of a three-year deferral of the hard surface parking area. Staff is supportive of the proposed use. The site has historically been used as a non-residential use. The use is to allow a ministry headquarters office to locate in the existing building. There are limited exterior modifications proposed with the primary upgrades completed to the interior of the structure. To staff’s knowledge there are no outstanding technical issues associated with the request. Staff feels the use of the site as a ministry headquarters should not significantly impact the area. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. Staff recommends approval of a three year deferral of the hard surfacing of the parking lot. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of a three year deferral of the hard surfacing of the parking lot. Staff also presented a February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 11 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6204-B 6 recommendation of approval of the applicant’s request for abandonment of an east/west easement located on the site. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 12 FILE NO.: Z-8152-A NAME: Storthz Short-form POD LOCATION: Located at 424 North University Avenue DEVELOPER: LPS Properties, LLC Sam Storthz III, Managing Partner 810 North University Avenue Little Rock, AR 72205 ENGINEER: Edward Smith – White Daters and Associates 24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 0.96 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: O-3, General Office District ALLOWED USES: General and Professional Office Uses PROPOSED ZONING: PCD PROPOSED USE: O-3 uses and selected C-3 uses VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: On March 1, 2007, the Little Rock Planning Commission withdrew a request to rezone the site from O-3, General Office District to PCD at the request of the applicant. The applicant’s proposal was the same proposal as currently being considered by the Commission. The building located at 424 N. University was originally constructed in 1970 as a masonry construction and contains approximately 11,968 square feet of rental area. The property is currently zoned O-3, General Office District which allows for general office type uses as allowable uses on the site. In addition, the site is allowed a maximum of ten percent of the gross floor area as a listed accessory use as indicated in the O-3, General Office District zoning classification. The February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 12 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8152-A 2 applicant is proposing a rezoning of the site to PCD to expand the allowable uses for the site. The site is proposed as a mixed use development and is proposed to contain the following uses either as a single user or a mixture of uses: A. Keeping the existing permitted uses under the “0-3” General Office District Zoning. B. Keeping the following existing permitted uses under the “0-3” General Office District Accessory Uses Zoning except delete the “shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the total floor area on the site” provision. - Antique shop, Barber and beauty shop, Book and stationary shop, Camera shop, Candy store, Clothing store, (including clothing accessories), Custom sewing or millinery, Drugstore or pharmacy, Eating place, (Pick-up Only), Florist shop, Health studio or spa, Hobby shop, Jewelry store, Key shop, Laundry pickup station, Tailor shop. C. Add the following permitted uses in the “C-3” General Commercial District: Appliance sales and repairs, Audio sales and service, Auto parts and accessories, Bakery or confectionery shop, Beauty supply store, Bicycle shop, Beverage shop, (coffee, tea, fruit or health drinks), Card shop, Carpet and flooring store, Catering, commercial, Clock or watch repair, Cosmetic store, Computer sales and repair, Dollar and variety store, Fabric store, Food store, Frame shop, Furniture store and/or rentals and/or repairs, Garden and supply shop (indoor only), Gift shop, Handicraft, ceramic, sculpture or similar artwork store, studio or gallery, Hardware store, Houseware and kitchen store, Interior decorating shop, Job printing, Lithographer, printing or blue printing, Kitchen remodeling store, Linen shop, Luggage store, Medical appliance fittings and sales, Mail services store, Massage therapist, Music store, Office equipment sales and service, Office supply store, Optical shop, Paint and wallpaper store, School supplies, Second hand shop (resale of used goods such as used furniture, clothes, books, etc, ), Shoe repair, Sporting goods store, Swimming pool sales and supplies, Telephone and accessory sales and repair, Television sales and repairs, Toy store, Upholstery shop, Video, DVD, CD’s sales and rentals, Vitamins and health food store. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site contains an office building and associated parking currently being used as a medical office. To the north of the site is a private school and to the south of the site is a residential tower and an office tower is located to the southwest. There is a nursing home located immediately west of the site and east of the site are office uses. Other uses in the area include two shopping centers, Park Plaza and Mid-Towne. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 12 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8152-A 3 C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area resident. The Hillcrest Residents Neighborhood Association, all property owners located within 200 feet of the site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. In recognition of the fact that this is a developed site and the applicant proposes only use changes and no changes to the existing building footprint, drives, parking, staff is recommending a reduced right of way dedication on Father Tribou Street (formerly Lee Street) of 25 feet from the centerline (instead of the Master Street Plan requirement of 30 feet) and 45 feet from the centerline of University Avenue (rather than 55 feet). The approximate 5-foot dedication on Father Tribou and University Avenue are required due to the increased intensity of uses for the site with the change from office to commercial uses and the allowance of a large percentage of the building square footage as selected C-3, General Commercial District uses by right. With greater intensity of the use mix, additional traffic is expected which right turn lanes can correct when added to the existing streets, but until such lanes are built, the City will provide the applicant with a franchise to allow the existing parking to be located in the portion of the right of way to be dedicated. Any future development on the site will require full right of way dedication and meeting the boundary street ordinance requirements. For City-funded projects, the City bears the cost of relocating improvements such as driveways, curbing and landscaping which is disturbed in the street widening process. 2. Obtain a franchise agreement from Public Works (Bennie Nicolo, 371-4818) for the private improvements located in the right-of-way. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: Approved as submitted. AT & T: No comment received. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 12 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8152-A 4 Central Arkansas Water: No objection. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located on CATA Bus Route #21, the University Avenue Route. Parks and Recreation: No comment. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the West Little Rock Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Mixed Use for this property. The applicant has requested to rezone the site from O-3, General Office District to Planned Office Development to add additional uses to the site including selected commercial uses. The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: University Avenue is shown as a Principal Arterial. The primary function of a Principal Arterial is to serve through traffic and to connect major traffic generators or activity centers within urbanized areas. Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on University since it is a Principal Arterial. Father Tribou Drive is shown as a Local Street. The primary function of a Local Street is to provide access to adjacent properties. Local Streets which are abutted by non-residential zoning/use or more intensive zoning than duplexes are considered as “Commercial Streets”. These streets have a design standard the same as a Collector. These streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. Bicycle Plan: There are no bike routes shown in the immediate vicinity. Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is covered by the Midtown Neighborhood Action Plan. The Commercial Development goal states: “To increase the long-term viability of our retail, office, and medical centers, and prevent destabilization of surrounding neighborhoods.” February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 12 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8152-A 5 Landscape: 1. The site plan must comply with the City’s landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. This site plan appears to be a use issue only. However, should the building undergo rehabilitation then the parking lot will be required to be brought into compliancy with both the zoning ordinance and the landscape ordinance at such time. 3. A landscape plan will be required in conjunction with redevelopment of this site. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) The applicant was present representing the request. Staff presented an overview of the development stating the request was to rezone the site from O-3, General Office District to PCD and add additional uses as allowable uses to the site. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated a reduced right of way dedication was being requested. Staff noted due to the potential increase in intensity of the use of the site additional right of way and turn lanes could be required. Staff stated a franchise would be provided to the owners to allow parking within the public right of way. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated if the building was rehabilitated then the parking lot would be required to be brought into compliance with the current typical ordinance standards. Staff noted comments provided by the various other departments and agencies stating if there were specific concerns the applicant should contact the agency directly. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: There were no outstanding technical issues remaining from the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant is seeking a rezoning of the site to allow additional uses to be added as allowable uses for the site. The primary issue between staff and the applicant involves the right of way dedication. The applicant has indicated a right of way dedication to the edge of the parking stalls is acceptable with them. Staff is supportive of the allowance of reduced right of way dedication including a 25-foot right of way dedication along Father Tribou Drive and a 45-foot right of way dedication along South University Avenue. Staff feels the right of way should be dedicated as a part of the February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 12 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8152-A 6 approval. The rezoning request will potentially increase the activity on the site, creating a commercial development, thus potentially necessitating additional street improvements in the area. A portion of the existing parking will be impacted by the right of way dedication which staff is agreeable to the allowance of a franchise agreement to allow the existing parking to remain until such time as the additional improvements are installed. The site is located within the Midtown Overlay District. The purpose of the Midtown Overlay District is to create a quality vital atmosphere for businesses, commercial or office and residents. Buildings, parking, signage, landscaping and street furnishings should all be designed to complement and encourage pedestrian use both day and evening. As stated in the purpose and intent section of the Midtown Overlay District proper planning is necessary to ensure visual clutter is avoided. Guideline and strategies must be in place to protect the district from the negative impact of poorly planned or incompatible development has the potential to destroy the attributes that will attract people to the district. The district regulations shall apply to new development, and redevelopment exceeding fifty percent of the structure’s current replacement value and expansion of existing development. The design guidelines shall be implemented when a permit is requested for exterior improvements on buildings or in the public right of way. Routine repairs, maintenance and interior alterations shall not require compliance with the overlay regulations. It does not appear the overlay requirements will be evoked with the development as proposed. The applicant is proposing the redevelopment of the site as a mixed-use development with no limits placed on the uses proposed. There are no exterior modifications proposed to the existing building or parking. All renovations will be interior renovations only. The building contains 11,968 square feet along with 72 parking spaces. Based on typically minimum parking requirements for a commercial development, 39 parking spaces would be required. Based on typical parking ratios for a mixed use development (1 space per 225 square feet) 53 parking spaces would typically be required. Neither the site plan nor cover letter indicates any signage either existing or proposed. Signage typically allowed in office zones is a maximum of six feet in height and sixty-four square feet in area. With regard to signage, the Midtown Overlay District states no pole-mounted signs and no wood, painted signs or pan-faced-style signs are permitted. Staff would recommend if additional signage is approved, the signage conform to signage as allowed per the Midtown Overlay District. The site is indicated as MX on the City’s Future Land Use Plan. The MX – Mixed Use Category allows for a mixture of residential, office and commercial uses to occur. A Planned Zoning District is required if the use is entirely office or commercial or if the use is a mixture of the three. The applicant has not placed limits on the proposed use mix of the site; only indicated the site will be redeveloped as a mixed use development. Staff recommends a percentage be placed on the proposed uses limiting the site to 60 percent commercial uses and 40 percent office uses. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 12 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8152-A 7 Staff is generally supportive of the proposed development. There is an outstanding issue related to the right of way dedication for the abutting streets. Staff cannot support the application as filed with limiting the right of way dedication to the edge of the parking stalls along the abutting streets. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends denial of the request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was not present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had requested a deferral of the item to the February 28, 2008, public hearing. Staff stated the deferral request would require a waiver of the Commission’s By-laws with regard to the late deferral request since the request was made on February 13, 2008. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 13 FILE NO.: Z-8293 NAME: Jerel Short-form PD-R LOCATION: Located at 8405 Ferndale Cut-off DEVELOPER: Rebekah Jirel 4500 Skyhawk Circle Little Rock, AR 72223 ENGINEER: White Daters and Associates 24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 1.35 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family ALLOWED USES: Single-family residential PROPOSED ZONING: PD-R PROPOSED USE: Single-family with the addition of a duplex VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. The applicant failed to respond to Subdivision Committee comments. Staff recommends this item be deferred to the March 27, 2008, public hearing. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had failed to respond to Subdivision Committee comments. Staff presented a recommendation of deferral of the item to the March 27, 2008, public hearing. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 14 FILE NO.: Z-8296 NAME: Trice Surgery Center Short-form POD LOCATION: Located on the Southeast corner of Kanis Road and Labelle Drive DEVELOPER: Rickett Engineering, Inc. Mark E. Rickett, PE P.O. Box 242862 Little Rock, AR 72223 ENGINEER: Rickett Engineering, Inc. Mark E. Rickett, PE P.O. Box 242862 Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 1.99 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family ALLOWED USES: Single-family residential PROPOSED ZONING: POD PROPOSED USE: Surgery Center VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant is requesting a rezoning of this 1.99 acre site from R-2, Single- family to Planned Office Development to allow the construction of a 18,375 square foot medical office/surgery center on the site. The site plan indicates the placement of 70 parking spaces to serve the center. The hours of operation are normal office hours or from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. There is no overnight stay proposed for the center. The site plan indicates the placement of a dumpster near the southwest corner of the building. A note indicates the dumpster will be serviced during daylight hours only. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8296 2 A monument sign is proposed consistent with signage allowed in office zones. Building signage is proposed on the facades fronting Kanis and Labelle Drive. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The property has been cleared and there is a large drainage ditch running along the southern boundary of the property. The area to the east is a single-family home with a number of outbuildings. North of the site is a new church. Street improvements adjacent to the church along Kanis Road have been completed. Street improvements adjacent to this site have not been completed. Labelle Drive is a new residential street accessing the Kanis Village Subdivision. A number of new homes are in various stages of completion with a preliminary plat approved for the development of several hundred additional lots. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area resident. The Brownwood Terrace Neighborhood Association, the John Barrow Neighborhood Association, all property owners located within 200 feet of the site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Kanis Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a minor arterial. A dedication of right-of-way 45 feet from centerline will be required. Additional right-of-way may required for realignment of Kanis Road. 2. With site development, provide the design of the street conforming to the Master Street Plan. Construct one-half street improvement to Kanis Road including 5-foot sidewalks with the planned development. Kanis Road is projected to be realigned to lessen the curvature. Previous plans have been prepared for St. Andrews Church on the north side of Kanis Road. The engineer for that project should be contacted for an electronic copy of those plans. Provide a revised set of plans showing the realignment of Kanis Road in relation to your property. The street improvements will be required to be built to that realignment plan. 3. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). 4. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8296 3 5. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be required prior to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site grading, and drainage plans will need to be submitted and approved prior to the start of construction. 6. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the start of construction. 7. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering 379-1813 (Steve Philpott) for more information. 8. Driveway location does not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. The proposed driveway on Kanis Road should be at least 300 feet from Labelle Drive and 150 feet from the east property line. The width of driveway must not exceed 36 feet. 9. Driveway location does not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. On Labelle Drive, the lot must share a single driveway access centered on the property line with the lot to the south. The width of driveway must not exceed 36 feet. 10. If sidewalk does not exist on Labelle Drive, sidewalk and access ramps should be provided along the property's frontage on Labelle Drive. 11. Provide a letter prepared by a registered engineer certifying the sight distance at the Kanis Road driveway complies with 2004 AASHTO Green Book standards. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: Approved as submitted. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding the size and location of the water meter(s). Additional fire hydrant(s) may be required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department to obtain information regarding the required placement of the hydrant(s) and contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for installation of the hydrant(s). February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8296 4 Fire Department: Fire hydrants maybe required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located on CATA Bus Route #3, the Baptist Medical Center Route. Parks and Recreation: No comment. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Boyle Park Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Transition for this property. The applicant has asked to rezone the site from R-2, Single-family to Planned Office Development to allow the construction of a 12,100 square foot surgery center. The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Kanis Road is shown as a Minor Arterial. A Minor Arterial provides connections to and through an urban area and their primary function is to provide short distance travel within the urbanized area. Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on Kanis Road since it is a Minor Arterial. Labelle Drive is shown as a Collector. The primary function of a Collector Street is to provide a connection from Local Streets to Arterials. These streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. Bicycle Plan: There are no bike routes in the immediate vicinity. Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is covered by the John Barrow Neighborhood Action Plan. The Business and Commercial goal states: “To enhance the climate directed towards encouraging new businesses and commercial establishments to located in the area as well as retention of existing businesses.” Landscape: 1. The site plan must comply with the City’s landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. The property to the east and south is zoned residentially. Screening will be required along the eastern and southern perimeters. Screening materials February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8296 5 must provide year round screening of at least six feet in height. The Commission may deem the southern screening not necessary due to the potential of the area being used as an office use in the future. 3. All the newly landscape areas must be irrigated with an automatic irrigation system. 4. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a land use buffer along the eastern property line a minimum of six percent of the average width of the property. Seventy percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. 5. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a land use buffer along the southern property line of a minimum of six percent of the average width of the property. Seventy percent (70%) of this area is to remain undisturbed. 6. The zoning buffer ordinance requires a street buffer along Kanis Road and Labelle Drive of six percent of the depth of the property and in no case less than half. 7. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, it will be necessary to provide an approved landscape plan stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape Architect. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) Mr. Mark Rickett was present representing the request. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development stating there were a number of outstanding technical issues associated with the request. Staff requested the applicant provide the days and hours of operation, the number of staff, the number of beds, the proposed signage plan, the maximum building height and details of any proposed screening fence. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated Kanis Road was a minor arterial and right of way dedication to 45-feet from centerline was required. Staff also stated the design of Kanis Road had been established and the road was shifting from the current location. Staff stated the driveway locations did not meet typical ordinance standards. Staff also stated a letter prepared by a certified engineer verifying the sight distance was adequate along Kanis Road to comply with AASHTO Green Book standards was required. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated properties to the east and south were zoned residentially which would require the placement of screening and a land use buffer. Staff noted 70 percent of the land use buffer was to remain undisturbed. Staff also stated the street buffer along Kanis Road and Labelle Drive should be a minimum of six percent of the depth of the property and in no case less than one-half. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8296 6 Staff noted comments provided by the various other departments and agencies stating if there were specific concerns the applicant should contact the agency directly. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing most of the issues raised at the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised site plan has relocated the dumpster and air conditioning condensing units away from the residentially zoned property to the east. The applicant has also provided the days and hours of operation, the proposed signage plan, the maximum building height and details of any proposed screening fence. The applicant has indicated there will be one doctor and eight staff for the facility. The site plan indicates the placement of a screening fence along the southern and eastern perimeters of the site. The site plan also indicates the placement of landscape buffers as typically require per the zoning and landscape ordinances. A 15-foot landscape buffer is located along the southern perimeter and a 25-foot landscape strip is located along the eastern perimeter. A screening fence is proposed along the southern and eastern perimeters adjacent to the residentially zoned property. The revised site plan has not provided the new alignment of Kanis Road showing centerline, curb, gutter, and sidewalks. The drives have been redesigned to allow for a shared drive along the southern property line of Labelle Drive and the drive located along Kanis Road is situated midway between the eastern property line and Labelle Drive. The site plan indicates the placement of 70 parking spaces. Typically parking is based on the number of doctors serving a medical office. The applicant has indicated one doctor and eight staff. The parking required for a medical office facility would typically be six parking spaces. The indicated parking is more than adequate to serve the development. The hours of operation are normal office hours or from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. There is no overnight stay proposed for the center. The site plan indicates the placement of a dumpster near the southwest corner of the building. A note indicates the dumpster will be serviced during daylight hours only. A monument sign is proposed consistent with signage allowed in office zones or a maximum of six feet in height and sixty-four square feet in area. Building signage is proposed on the facades fronting Kanis and Labelle Drive with a maximum sign area of ten percent of the total façade area. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8296 7 The site plan indicates a total lot area of 86,684 square feet and a total building area of 18,375 square feet or 21.2 percent of the site. The parking area encompasses 78.8 percent of the site and landscaping 22.3 percent of the site. A total of 4,671 square feet of interior landscaping has been provided resulting in 24.2 percent of the site area being landscaped. Due to unresolved issues staff cannot recommend the application moving forwarded as proposed. Although staff is generally supportive of an office use and a surgery center located on the site, staff feels the applicant should provide a site plan which includes the new alignment of Kanis Road showing centerline, curb, gutter, and sidewalks. Staff recommends this issue be resolved prior to the Commission acting on the request. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends the applicant provide a site plan which includes the new alignment of Kanis Road showing centerline, curb, gutter, and sidewalks prior to the Commission acting on the request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had addressed staff’s concerns related to the street design and the sight distance concerns previously raised. Staff stated the revised site plan indicated the alignment of Kanis Road to conform to the previously approved plans for the realignment of Kanis Road. Staff stated the drive located on Kanis Road had been removed to eliminate any sight distance concerns. Staff stated to their knowledge there are no remaining outstanding technical issues associated with the request. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 15 FILE NO.: Z-8308 NAME: Calvary Bread of Life Ministries Short-form PID LOCATION: Located between West 33rd and West 34th fronting Jane Street and Mabelvale Pike Road DEVELOPER: Calvary Bread of Life Ministries P.O. Box 20212 Little Rock, AR 72221 ENGINEER: BT Engineers 1501 Market Street Little Rock, AR 72211 AREA: 0.8046 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 zoning lot FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: I-2, Light Industrial District ALLOWED USES: Light Industrial Uses PROPOSED ZONING: PID PROPOSED USE: I-2, Light Industrial District uses and Add a Church VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The request is a rezoning of the site from I-2, Light Industrial District to PID to add a church as an allowable use for the property. The applicant is proposing to utilize the existing building and parking with no modifications to the exterior of the structure and limited interior renovations will be undertaken to add a sanctuary, classroom space and restroom facilities. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is located with frontage on Mabelvale Pike, Jane Street, West 33rd and West 34th Streets. The front of the building appears to front West 33rd Street. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8308 2 The building is a vacant industrial building. There are a number of uses located on this block including, residential, an auto repair garage and a plumbing supply company. To the east of the site is a residential neighborhood. To the south of the site are industrial uses. North of the site is a hotel and a drive-in restaurant. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received several informational phone calls from area residents. The South of Asher Neighborhood Association, all property owners located within 200 feet of the site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Mabelvale Pike is classified on the Master Street Plan as a minor arterial. A dedication of right-of-way 45 feet from centerline will be required along the frontage of the property. 2. A 20-foot radial dedication of right-of-way is required at the intersection of West 33rd Street and Jane Street. 3. The southeastern portion of the structure is located in the 100-year floodplain. This structure appears to be a pre-FIRM structure. Any additions to the structure in the future will require the lowest finished floor elevation of the new addition to elevated to 1 foot above the base flood elevation. 4. The alley is recommended to be abandoned and easements maintained for utilities. 5. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer main located within the alley. No new construction is allowed over the existing sewer main. Contact Little Rock Wastewater Utility at 688-1414 for additional information. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: Approved as submitted. AT & T: No comment received. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8308 3 Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. Contact Central Arkansas Water if larger and/or additional water meter(s) are required. If a larger and/or additional meter is needed, a Capital Investment Charge based on the size of the meter connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. Fire Department: Install and place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located near CATA Bus Route #14, the Rosedale Route. Parks and Recreation: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the I-630 Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Light Industrial for this property. The applicant has applied for a rezoning from I-2, Light Industrial District to Planned Industrial Development to add a church as an allowable use to the property. The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Mabelvale Pike is shown as a Minor Arterial. A Minor Arterial provides connections to and through an urban area and their primary function is to provide short distance travel within the urbanized area. Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on Mabelvale Pike since it is a Minor Arterial. Jane, West 33rd and West 34th Streets are shown as Local Streets. The primary function of a Local Street is to provide access to adjacent properties. Local Streets which are abutted by non-residential zoning/use or more intensive zoning than duplexes are considered as “Commercial Streets”. These streets have a design standard the same as a Collector. These streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. Bicycle Plan: A Class III bike route is shown along Mabelvale Pike. A Class III bikeway is a signed route on a street shared with traffic. No additional paving or right-of-way is required. Class III bicycle route signage may be required. Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is covered by the Oak Forest Neighborhood Action Plan. The Economic Development goal states: “To create February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8308 4 a healthy economic climate that encourages investment, reinvestment, and diversity of employment opportunities.” Landscape: 1. The site plan must comply with the City’s landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. Landscaping will be required with any new on site parking or with the redevelopment/rehabilitation of the existing structure(s). G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) The applicant was present. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development stating there were a few outstanding technical issues associated with the request. Staff questioned if the church would house a daycare or offer a mother’s day out. Staff also questioned if the site would be used as a “soup kitchen”. Staff questioned the days and hours of operation of the facility. Staff also questioned the proposed parking plan. Staff requested the applicant provide the proposed signage plan including the location, total height and total area. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated a 20 foot radial dedication was required at the intersection of West 33rd and Jane Streets. Staff also stated the southeastern portion of the building was located within the floodplain and future construction would be required to be constructed above the base flood elevation. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated landscaping would be required with any new on-site parking or with the redevelopment or rehabilitation of the existing structure. Staff noted comments provided by the various other departments and agencies stating if there were specific concerns the applicant should contact the agency directly. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant has submitted a revised cover letter addressing most of the issue raised at the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. A revised site plan indicates the placement of a ground mounted sign at the intersection of West 33rd and Jane Streets. The sign is proposed with a maximum height of eight feet and sixty-four square feet in area. Building signage is proposed consistent with signage allowed in industrial zones. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8308 5 The church has a seating capacity of 250 – 300 persons. Church service and Prayer service hours are Tuesday and Thursday 12 am to 1 am, Friday 9 pm to 11 pm, Sunday norning 9 am to 12 noon and Sunday night 6 pm to 8:30 pm. There will not be a mother’s day out program nor will the site house a soup kitchen. The site contains parking for 30 vehicles and the applicant has indicated agreements from adjoining property owners to allow additional parking on neighboring lots. The activities of the church will not impose on the hours of operation for the adjoining businesses so the shared parking should not cause a significant impact on the area. The ordinance would typically require the placement of 75 parking spaces to serve a church with a seating capacity of 300 persons. Although the indicated parking is less than one half the typical requirement staff does not feel this will significantly impact the area if additional parking can be secured off site. Staff recommends the applicant provide the parking agreements from the adjoining property owners. Staff is supportive of the request. The site is presently zoned I-2, Light Industrial District and the request is to add a church as an allowable use for the property. Staff does not feel based on the uses in the area the addition of a church to this site will adversely impact the adjoining properties. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. Staff recommends the applicant provide the parking agreements from the adjoining property owners. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was not present. There were no objectors present. Staff informed the Commission that the applicant had failed to send the required notices and the item needed to be deferred. There was no further discussion. The item was placed on the consent agenda and deferred to the February 28, 2008 meeting. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 16 FILE NO.: Z-8309 NAME: Walls Short-form PD-R LOCATION: Located on Oakwood Road near the intersection with Pine Street DEVELOPER: Wesley Walls Agent 112 Crystal Court Little Rock, AR 72205 SURVEYOR: James Butler 5323 John F. Kennedy Boulevard North Little Rock, AR 72116 AREA: 0.18 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family – Hillcrest Design Overlay District ALLOWED USES: Single-family PROPOSED ZONING: PD-R PROPOSED USE: Single-family – Variance from the minimum development standards of the Overlay District VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. The applicant submitted a request dated January 28, 2008, requesting a withdrawal of this item without prejudice. Staff is supportive of the withdrawal request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request dated January 28, 2008, requesting a withdrawal of this item without prejudice. Staff stated they were supportive of the withdrawal request. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 16 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8309 2 There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 17 FILE NO.: LU08-03-01 Name: Land Use Plan Amendment - West Little Rock Planning District Location: 7801 Cantrell Road, south of Biscayne and west of Watt Street Request: Office to Mixed Office Commercial Source: Terry Burruss, Architect PROPOSAL / REQUEST: A Land Use Plan amendment in the West Little Rock Planning District from Office to Mixed Office Commercial. Mixed Office Commercial represents a mixture of commercial and office uses with a Planned Zoning District being required if the use is mixed office and commercial. The applicant has applied for a Planned Commercial Development with a mixture of both office and commercial uses. EXISTING LAND USE AND ZONING: This site is currently zoned O-3 General Office District and is used for a Beauty Salon, a tax preparer’s office and a carwash. To the north is zoned C-3 General Commercial for a realtor’s office, a nail salon, a sports store, and a restaurant. To the east is also zoned C-3 for McDonalds and Thomas Pest Control. To the south and southwest is zoned Planned Commercial Development for Miss Selma’s School. Southeast is zoned Planned Office Development for a salon and Stellar Sun. Immediately west of this site is zoned O-3 General Office for a large office building and a small beauty salon. Further west is zoned R-2 Single Family for single family residences along Biscayne Drive. FUTURE LAND USE PLAN AND RECENT AMENDMENTS: The amendment site is shown as Office on the Future Land Use Plan. South and southwest of this site is shown as Public Institutional. West is shown as Office and Single Family along Biscayne Drive. North is shown as Commercial and northwest is shown as Multi Family on the west side of Glover Street. East is shown as Commercial. Southeast is shown as Office. There have been no Future Land Use Plan amendments approved in this vicinity in the past ten years. MASTER STREET PLAN: Cantrell Road is shown as a Principal Arterial. The primary function of a Principal Arterial is to serve through traffic and to connect major traffic generators or activity centers within urbanized areas. Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on Cantrell since it is a February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 17 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU08-03-01 2 Principal Arterial. Watt Street is shown as a Local Street. The primary function of a Local Street is to provide access to adjacent properties. When non- residential zoning or more intensive zoning than duplexes abuts Local Streets, they are considered “Commercial Streets”. These streets have a design standard the same as a Collector. Biscayne is shown as a Collector. The primary function of a Collector Street is to provide a connection from Local Streets to Arterials. These streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. BICYCLE PLAN: There are no bike routes shown in the immediate vicinity. PARKS: The Master Parks Plan shows that this site is located within eight blocks of Reservoir Park. HISTORIC DISTRICTS: There are no city recognized historic districts that would be affected by this amendment. CITY RECOGNIZED NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN: This area is covered by the Midtown Neighborhood Action Plan. The Commercial Development goal states: ” To increase the long-term viability of our retail, office, and medical centers, and prevent destabilization of surrounding neighborhoods” and “Support smart growth and positive in-fill development.” ANALYSIS: This amendment area is located just south of Cantrell Road at the intersection of Biscayne Drive and Cantrell Road with Watt Street to the east. The site has been used for many years as an office complex and a separate car wash. A tax preparer, a beauty salon and an insurance company currently occupy the office building. This area has been shown on the Future Land Use Plan for many years as Office even though it is surrounded by mostly commercial uses. The applicant has requested a change from Office to Mixed Office Commercial for a Planned Office Development. This POD will use the existing northern building with some modifications and it will also remove the existing carwash. The carwash will be replaced with a large office/commercial building. This new February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 17 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU08-03-01 3 building will be completely office use on the second floor and have commercial uses on the first floor. The surrounding area is already Commercial on the east for McDonalds and a pest control office. The north side of Biscayne is shown as Commercial and has several different buildings with various uses. These areas shown as Commercial are all developed. While there is quite a bit of Office and Commercial shown on the Future Land Use Plan in this area, they are almost all completely developed. Immediately south of this site is Ms. Selma’s School which has expanded to the southern boundary of this application site. This area is shown on the Plan as Public Institutional and would provide a buffer for the single family residences to the south. An amendment to Mixed Office Commercial would blend well in this area. The site is already zoned O-3 General Office and C-3 General Commercial. A switch to Mixed Office Commercial would actually reflect the existing uses and the new proposed uses, but this zoning change would offer the protection of the design review process. To the west of the amendment area will remain shown as Office. There is a large, mostly occupied two-story office building that sits just west of the amendment property. This Office on the plan can be seen as a buffer to protect the residential houses along Biscayne to the west. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: Notices were sent to the Meriwether Neighborhood Association. Staff has received no comments from area residents. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff believes the change is appropriate. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The item was placed on consent agenda for approval. By a vote of 8 for, 0 against and 3 absent the consent agenda was approved. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 17.1 FILE NO.: Z-8310 NAME: Smith Development Short-form POD and Alley Abandonment LOCATION: Located at 7801 Cantrell Road DEVELOPER: Willis Smith Co. 5 Inwood Circle, Suite 104 Little Rock, AR 72211 SURVEYOR: Brooks Surveying 20820 Arch Street Pike Hensley, AR 72065 ARCHITECT: Terry Burruss Architects 1202 South Main Street Little Rock, AR 72202 AREA: 0.64 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 zoning lot FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: O-3, General Office District and C-3, General Commercial District ALLOWED USES: General Office and General Retail PROPOSED ZONING: POD PROPOSED USE: Office (70%) and Retail (30%) VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The property currently consists of two separate parcels zoned office and commercially. Parcel 1 has an existing building containing approximately 5,068 square feet which is zoned O-3, General Office District. Parcel 2 has an existing carwash facility (5 bays) and is zoned C-3, General Commercial District. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 17.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8310 2 The developers are proposing to modify the existing structure on Parcel 1 to contain 3,560 square feet of commercial space and to construct a two story office building on Parcel 2 containing 8,000 square feet. The development proposes the construction of 26 parking spaces on the site with additional off-site parking provided on Watt Street. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: There is an office building containing a number of office and commercial users located on Parcel 1 and a multiple bay car wash located on Parcel 2. Watt Street has been closed by the Highway Department and currently terminates in a cul-de-sac between this property and the McDonalds property located to the east. There is an alley located between the two buildings with an office building, facing Biscayne Drive located to the west. There are a series of drives which connect these properties to Biscayne Drive and the properties on Biscayne Drive to Watt and T Streets. In the area there are residential and non-residential uses. There is a salon in a converted residential structure located to the west and a school located in a number of converted structures located to the south. There is an office building located on the southeast corner of T and Watt Street. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received an informational phone call from an area resident. The Meriwether Neighborhood Association, all property owners located within 200 feet of the site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. A 20 foot radial dedication of right-of-way is required at the intersection of Watt Street and T Street. 2. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. 3. Driveway locations and widths do not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. The driveway on Biscayne Drive should be closed. The north and south driveways on Watt Street should be closed. The driveway on T Street should be closed. The existing driveway located in the alley or in the center of the property should be improved to Public Works detail and used as access to the property. Curb should be reinstalled at old driveways. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 17.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8310 3 4. Sidewalks with appropriate handicap ramps are required to be continued to the sidewalk along Watt Street in accordance with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan. The sidewalk along Watt Street should be continued to the sidewalk along Cantrell Road. 5. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). 6. The alley should be maintained as an easement for utilities. 7. Storm water detention will not apply to the proposed development. 8. Due to the proposed use of the property, the Master Street Plan specifies that Watt Street and T Street for the frontage of this property must meet commercial street standards. Dedicate right-of-way to 30 feet from centerline. It is unsure from the plans provided if right-of-way exists to comply with the Master Street Plan. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this property. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: Approved as submitted. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. Contact Central Arkansas Water if larger and/or additional water meter(s) are required. Fire Department: Install and place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located near CATA Bus Route #1, Pulaski Height Route. Parks and Recreation: No comment. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the West Little Rock Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Office for this property. The applicant has February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 17.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8310 4 requested to redevelop two existing parcels presently zoned O-3, General Office District and C-3, General Commercial District to Planned Office Development to allow an existing building located on Parcel 1 to be modified to contain 3,560 square feet of commercial space and the construction of a new two story office building containing 11,560 square feet on Parcel 2. A Land Use Plan Amendment (LU08-03-01) is a separate item on this agenda. Master Street Plan: Cantrell Road is shown as a Principal Arterial. The primary function of a Principal Arterial is to serve through traffic and to connect major traffic generators or activity centers within urbanized areas. Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on Cantrell since it is a Principal Arterial. Watt Street is shown as a Local Street. The primary function of a Local Street is to provide access to adjacent properties. Local Streets which are abutted by non-residential zoning/use or more intensive zoning than duplexes are considered as “Commercial Streets”. These streets have a design standard the same as a Collector. Biscayne is shown as a Collector. The primary function of a Collector Street is to provide a connection from Local Streets to Arterials. These streets may require dedication of right-of- way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. Bicycle Plan: There are no bike routes shown in the immediate vicinity. Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is covered by the Midtown Neighborhood Action Plan. The Commercial Development goal states: ” To increase the long-term viability of our retail, office, and medical centers, and prevent destabilization of surrounding neighborhoods” and “Support smart growth and positive in-fill development.” Landscape: 1. The site plan must comply with the City’s landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. The zoning street buffer is deficient along Watt and T Streets. This needs to be a minimum of six foot nine inches wide (6’-9”); otherwise, a variance must be obtained from the City Beautiful Commission prior to the issuance of a building permit. 3. One additional interior island is needed along Watt Street. Currently, there are nineteen (19) consecutive spaces, not meeting the evenly distributed requirement of the landscape ordinance. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 17.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8310 5 G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 24, 2008) Mr. Terry Burruss was present representing the request. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development stating there were a few technical issues in need of addressing remaining outstanding. Staff requested Mr. Burruss provide the documentation for the proposed alley abandonment, the proposed zoning classification or uses for the two buildings and dimensions for the indicated building setbacks and areas proposed for landscaping. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated a 20-foot radial dedication was required at the intersection of Watt and T Streets. Staff stated the drives as proposed did not meet the traffic access and circulation requirement of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. Staff stated the drive on Biscayne Drive should be removed and the drive on Watt Street relocated to the center of the property. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated additional interior islands would be required to meet the typical ordinance standards. Staff also stated the street buffer along Watt and T Streets should be increased to six feet nine inches to comply with the Landscape Ordinance requirements. Staff noted comments provided by the various other departments and agencies stating if there were specific concerns the applicant should contact the agency directly. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised site plan addressing most of the issues raised at the January 24, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant has provided the proposed uses of the buildings, dimensioned the setback from property lines and indicated the areas proposed for landscaping. The applicant has also indicated they are no longer requesting the abandonment of the alley located within the proposed development. The revised site plan also indicates the placement of landscaping and buffering to meet the typical ordinance standards. The request is a rezoning of the site from O-3, General Office District and C-3, General Commercial District to POD to allow the development of the site with a mixed use development containing C-1, O-1 and O-2 uses. The proposal eliminates a restaurant as a potential use and also eliminates residential lodging facilities as allowable uses as identified under the O-1 and O-2 zoning district. The hours of operation are proposed from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday for the office users. The commercial users will extend their closing hour until 9 pm. The dumpster service hours will be limited to 6-7 am Monday through Saturday. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 17.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8310 6 Phase I is the proposed use of the existing 5,068 square foot building located on Parcel 1 for commercial uses as defined in the C-1 zoning district less, restaurant use. The carwash will remain on Parcel 2 in this phase. Phase II, a portion of the building on Parcel 1 will be removed, resulting in a building of 3,560 square feet. Additional parking will be added to the parcel. Uses will be C-1 uses, less restaurant. Phase II also includes the removal of the carwash from Parcel 2 and construction of a new, two story office building and associated parking. Uses proposed for the building on Parcel 2 are office uses as defined in the O-1 and O-2 zoning district, less any residential occupancy. At final build-out the development is proposed with 3,560 square feet of commercial space and 8,000 square feet of office space. The site plan indicates 25 parking spaces to serve the development. The ordinance would typically require the placement of 20 parking spaces to serve the office use and 11 parking spaces to serve the commercial use. The applicant has indicated the parking as proposed is adequate to serve the two uses. The proposed commercial users will be low volume traffic generators which will not demand a great deal of parking. The site plan indicates the placement of a single ground sign with a maximum height of six feet and a maximum sign area of sixty-four square feet. Building signage is proposed consistent with signage allowed in office zones or a maximum of ten percent of the façade area fronting the public street. The site plan has not removed the drive from Biscayne Drive into the development. The driveway locations and width does not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. Public Works cannot support the approval of this application due to the driveway on Biscayne Drive. City code states driveways accessing a collector street must be located at least 250 feet from an intersection. Even though the driveway exists today, it creates a traffic hazard for vehicles traveling eastbound and westbound on Cantrell Road. The center of the Biscayne driveway is located about 30 feet from the Cantrell Road curb line. This driveway will be blocked when 2 cars are stacked on Biscayne Drive desiring to access Cantrell Road. Due to the curvature of Cantrell Road, sight distance is limited at Biscayne Drive causing driver’s decision time to access Cantrell Road from Biscayne Drive to increase. An increase in decision time tends to cause vehicle stacking. With the stacking of the 2 vehicles on Biscayne Drive, eastbound vehicles on Cantrell Road and westbound vehicles turning left from Cantrell Road desiring to access the Biscayne driveway must stop in the thru lane or center turn lane of Cantrell Road respectively until the stacked vehicles access Cantrell Road and clear the driveway. The revised site plan has removed the north and south driveways on Watt Street as requested by staff. The driveway on T Street has been indicated for closure. The existing driveway located in the alley or in the center of the property will be improved to Public Works detail and used as access to the property. As stated February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 17.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8310 7 the request no longer includes the abandonment of the alley located within the development. Staff is generally supportive of the request but feels the drive from Biscayne should be removed. As stated staff feels with the current location of the drive there is a high probability of backing cars onto Cantrell Road when cars are trying to enter the site and are unable to do so due to stacking on Biscayne Drive. Otherwise staff is in support of the request. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends denial of the request as filed. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff stated the applicant had revised the request to allow the drive to remain open during the first phase of the project and closed during the Phase II portion of the project. Staff stated they were supportive of the request. Staff stated to their knowledge there are no remaining outstanding technical issues associated with the request. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the request subject to compliance with the comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda staff report. Staff also presented a recommendation of approval of the request to allow the drive on Biscayne Drive to remain open during the first phase of the project and to close the drive on Biscayne Drive during the Phase II portion of the project. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 18 FILE NO.: Z-3769-C NAME: Wright-Holman Estate Short-form PD-R Revocation LOCATION: Located at 3518 Hill Road DEVELOPER: Baker Kurrus Attorney at Law P. O. Box 3157 Little Rock, AR 72203 AREA: 2.06 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 zoning lot FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF CURRENT ZONING: PD-R ALLOWED USES: Low density residential development PROPOSED ZONING: Revocation restoring R-2, Single-family Classification PROPOSED USE: Single-family residential VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Ordinance No. 14,211 adopted by the Board of Directors on March 16, 1982, established Wright-Holman Estate Short-form PD-R. The proposal allowed for the creation of three tracts with construction of a new single-family residences on Tract 2 and three duplex units on Tract 3. The existing residence was to be maintained on Tract 1. The development has not been implemented. The property was sold and the current owner is seeking a revocation of the PD-R zoning classification and the restoration of the previously held R-2, Single-family zoning district classification. Per Section 36-458(a) Cause for revocation as enforcement action. The Planning Commission may recommend to the Board of Directors that any PUD or PD approval be revoked and all building permits or certificates of occupancy be voided under the following circumstances: (1) The applicant has not submitted a final development plan to staff. Where a staged development plan is approved the Board of Directors may revoke the entire preliminary plan or may revoke only that stage on which a final plan has not been submitted and approved. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 18 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3769-C 2 (2) Construction has not commenced within the time allowed. (3) The applicant has not adhered to the development schedule as stated in the approved preliminary plan. In addition, to the revocation for cause, Section 36-454(e) final development plan states the applicant shall have three years from the date of passage of the ordinance approving the preliminary approval to submit the final development plan. Request for extensions of time shall be submitted in writing to the Planning Commission which may grant one extension of not more than two years. Failure of the applicant to file a timely extension shall be cause for revocation of the PUD as provided in the ordinance. The applicant has submitted a letter requesting a revocation of the current PD-R zoning and the restoration of the R-2, Single-family Zoning District. According to the ordinance, the Planning Commission shall provide a recommendation which shall be forwarded to the Board of Directors for disposition as in the original approval. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The property is single-family with fencing, walls and gates around the perimeter of the property. In addition to the homes, the site contains a number of structures including a pool house. C. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff feels the approval should be voided since the previous applicant has failed to satisfy the requirements of the approval process. Staff recommends the current PRD zoning classification be revoked and the previously held R-2, Single-family zoning District be restored. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation the approval be voided since the previous applicant had failed to satisfy the requirements of the approval process. Staff presented a recommendation the current PRD zoning classification be revoked and the previously held R-2, Single-family Zoning District be restored. There was no further discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by staff on the consent agenda. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. February 14, 2008 ITEM NO.: 19 FILE NO.: 313 NAME: Maumelle Orchard Annexation REQUEST: Accept 5 acres plus or minus to the City LOCATION: Just west of the intersection of Bouresse Drive and Bouresse Court SOURCE: Wes Hall, Agent for the Property Owners GENERAL INFORMATION: • The County Judge held a hearing and signed the Annexation Order on December 18, 2007. • The area requested for consideration is currently undeveloped. • There is one tract with four owners. • The site is contiguous to the City of Little Rock along parts of all four sides. • The annexation request is to obtain sewer service and other City services. • The area in question is rectangular in shape, 660 feet by 330 feet and accessed only by a 40-foot access easement off of Bouresse Court. • Currently the property is zoned R-2, Single Family. • The property owners have indicated they intend to develop this land as a single-family home site. AGENCY COMMENTS: Public Safety: Fire: The Little Rock Fire Department indicates they have no issues or concerns with the requested annexation to allow the construction of one home. Fire service is currently provided to the property surrounding this site and all other properties currently facing the street this land takes access from. The closest Fire Station is Station 21 on Chenal Valley Drive. This is just over four miles away and is beyond the ISO recommended distances. Police: The Little Rock Police Department indicates they have no issues or concerns with the requested annexation to allow the construction of one home. This site is adjacent to patrol district 72. Normal patrols already drive along the street that this property will access. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 19 (Cont.) FILE NO.: 313 2 Infrastructure and Community Facilities: Central Arkansas Transit: No Comment Received. There is no regularly schedule bus route close to this site. Parks and Recreation: No Comment Received. The 2001 Little Rock Parks and Recreation Master Plan shows this site to be in a ‘deficit area’. That is, there is not a park or open space within eight blocks of the site. A Property Owners Association park has been constructed along Chalamont Drive to the northwest of this site. This recreation area will partially meet the needs of properties within the vicinity of this annexation. Public Works: The Public Works Department indicates they have no concerns or issues with the annexation as proposed. The Solid Waste Division indicates that pick-up will only be from the public right-of-way. All waste will have to be brought to Bouresse for service. There will be no additional public streets with this annexation. Therefore there should be no additional maintenance costs and with the addition of one home in this location there should not be the need for any new traffic control devises. For solid waste there will be one additional pick-up on an existing route. The required solid waste charge should cover this additional stop on an existing route. Utilities: Central Arkansas Water: No Comment Received. There is an 8-inch line along Bouresse Court. This line would have to be extended to the site across Bouresse at the cost of the owner to provide service. Entergy: No Comment Received. Reliant-Energy: No Comment Received. Wastewater Utility: The Little Rock Wastewater Utility has indicated they have no objection to the annexation as proposed. The property owner will have the responsibility to extending sewer service for this parcel. There is an 8-inch wastewater line along Bouresse Court. This line would have to be extended to the site at the cost of the owner to provide service. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 19 (Cont.) FILE NO.: 313 3 Southwestern Bell: No Comment Received. Schools: Little Rock: No Comment Received. The annexation is not within the Little Rock School District. Pulaski County Special: No Comment Received. The annexation area is within the Pulaski Special School District. The Joe T Robinson Elementary, Middle School and High School are to the northwest of this site. ANALYSIS: The site is rectangular in shape and wooded. It is on the south slope of the ridge with Shinall Mountain. The area is almost totally surrounded by the City Limits, with only a few feet along the south boundary just east of the southeast corner not being contiguous to the City. The only access to this property is via a 40-foot wide tract platted as part of the Chenal Development. The land is steep rising from the northeast part of the tract to the southwest corner. The change in elevation is approximately 100 feet for a tract 660 feet by 330 feet. With the zoning of ‘R-2’ - Single Family, the minimum lot size is 7000 square feet. The steepness of the site and other limitations means fewer lots than the zoning would allow are likely to be developed in the future. Bouresse Court has eight houses and is a similar size area. The applicant has indicated the intent to construct only one house on the five acres. There are water, wastewater and other utilities available in the adjacent Duquesne Subdivision of Chenal. Each of these would have to be extended in to the site to provide service to anything that might be constructed. This is normally done as part of the development process and at the cost of the developer/property owner. Currently there would be limited to no demands on the City for services since the land is undeveloped and wooded. At time of development all infrastructure and utility work would be done by the developer, only maintenance would become the responsibility of the City. If only one home is constructed on the land as proposed, then no new maintenance demands would be placed on the City. February 14, 2008 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 19 (Cont.) FILE NO.: 313 4 The public safety providers already provide service to the land surrounding this site. If only one home is built then there would be no additional patrol requirements for the Police. It is possible that they could receive calls from the home once occupied, but based on historic trends for homes in this area demands should be minimal. The Police Department has indicated they have no problem with the annexation as proposed. There are no existing fire stations within the ISO recommended distances to the site. With the addition of one home on this site, the Fire Department has indicated that they have no concerns or issues with the annexation. The department already provides service to all the surrounding property, a developed subdivision. Staff Recommendation: Approval PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 14, 2008) The item was placed on consent agenda for approval. By a vote of 8 for, 0 against and 3 absent the consent agenda was approved.