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HomeMy WebLinkAboutpc_02 06 2003sub LITTLE ROCK PLANNING COMMISSION SUBDIVISION HEARING SUMMARY AND MINUTE RECORD FEBRUARY 6, 2003 4:00 P.M. I. Roll Call and Finding of a Quorum A Quorum was present being ten (10) in number. II. Members Present: Obray Nunnley, Jr. Judith Faust Bob Lowry Robert Stebbins Mizan Rahman Bill Rector Rohn Muse Fred Allen, Jr. Gary Langlais Jerry Meyer Members Absent: Norm Floyd City Attorney: Stephen Giles III. Approval of the Minutes of the December 19, 2002 Meeting of the Little Rock Planning Commission. The Minutes were approved as presented. LITTLE ROCK PLANNING COMMISSION SUBDIVISION AGENDA FEBRUARY 6, 2003 4:00 P.M. I. DEFERRED ITEMS: A. Appeal of a Notice of Violation of the Land Alteration Ordinance located at 13000 Chenal Parkway II. NEW ITEMS: 1. Montagne Court Revised Preliminary Plat (S-1344-A), located on the northeast corner of Forest Lane and South Katillus Road. 2. Graham Smith Addition Revised Plat (S-1369-A), located north of Lee Avenue near the intersection of Woodrow Street and Ozark Point. 3. Mayer Addition Subdivision Site Plan Review (S-1370), located on the northeast corner of West Markham Street and Rodney Parham Road. 4. Parker Place Preliminary Plat (S-1371), located at 12011 Garrison Road. 5. Roland Heights Preliminary Plat (S-1372), located on Roland Heights Road. 6. Courtside Place Revised PD-R (Z-3454-M), located north of Otter Creek Parkway on Courtside Place. 7. Saugey Short-form PCD (Z-5224-H), located on the northwest corner of Highway 300 and Pinnacle Road. 8. Henry Short-form PCD (Z-6467-A), located at 5301 Mabelvale Pike. 9. Breshears Short-form PCD (Z-6481-B), located on the northwest corner of Woodlawn and Tyler Streets. 10. Levi Short-form PD-R (Z-7345), located at 4823 C Street. 11. A Land Use Plan Amendment (LU03-16-01) in the Otter Creek Planning District on the east side of Stagecoach Road south of Baseline Road from Office to Commercial. 11.1 Townsend Short-form PCD (Z-7346), located at 9219 Stagecoach Road. 12. Brown Short-form PD-R (Z-7347), located at 2018 Commerce Street. Agenda, Page Two II. NEW ITEMS: (Cont.) 13. A Land Use Plan Amendment (LU03-29-01) in the Pinnacle Planning District on Highway 10 at Morgan Cemetery Road from Single Family to Mixed Office Commercial. 13.1 Morgan Storage Facility Short-form PCD (Z-7348), located on the northwest corner of Highway 10 and Morgan Cemetery Road. 14. FC Partnership Short-form POD (Z-7349), located at 13616 Kanis Road. 15. A Land Use Plan Amendment (LU03-04-01) in the Heights Hillcrest Planning District for a portion of the area bounded by Markham Street, Van Buren Street, B Street and Harrison Street from Commercial, Single Family and Office to Mixed Use. 15.1 Markham Suite Short-form PCD (Z-7350), located on the northeast corner of West Markham Street and Harrison Street. 16. Miracle Land Company Short-form PCD (Z-7351), located on the southwest corner of I-430 and Stagecoach Road. 17. Johnson Daycare Family Home Special Use Permit (Z-7340), located at 1805 Glenda Drive. 18. Stagecoach Village Revised PCD (Z-6178-G), located at 9222 Stagecoach Road. 19. A Land Use Plan Amendment (LU03-24-01) in the Sweet Home Planning District east of the intersection of Trust and Sanders Streets from Single Family and Low Density Residential to Multi Family. 19.1 Fruit of the Spirit Short-form PD-R (Z-7353), located between Sanders Street and Grey Street near the intersection of Trust Street. 20. Land Alteration Ordinance Variance for Forest Management, located at Kiwanis Park and Morehart Park. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: A DAVIS PROPERTIES LAND ALTERATION Name: Davis Properties Land Alteration Location: 13000 Chenal Parkway, undeveloped lots east and rear of Hearne Family Practice Center in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas Owner/Applicant: Max Davis, owner of subject property. Request: Install a pine tree buffer along southern and eastern property lines instead of removing fill material STAFF REVIEW: 1. Master Street Plan This portion of Chenal Parkway is a principal arterial. 2. Development Potential This approximate 2 acre site is adjacent to Chenal Parkway and the Hearne Family Practice Center (“Hearne”). The zoning for this property along with Hearne is O3-Office. Chenal Creek strip center, a PCD, is adjacent to the property on the east. On the west the property is adjacent to the Landings Apartments zoned R5-multifamily along with Hearne. The property to the north is owned by the City of Little Rock and contains the floodplain of Rock Creek. It is believed the subject property will develop in the next 5 to 10 years. 3. Neighborhood Land Use and Effect The area along Chenal Parkway is retail, office, and multifamily developments with Rock Creek bounding on the north. The northern portion contains a 400 to 600 feet floodplain which is owned by the City of Little Rock. The southwest portion of this original tract of land has been developed by Parkway Family Medical Center. 4. Neighborhood Position No opinion position has been presented to Public Works. STAFF ANALYSIS: Mr. Max Davis, owner of Davis Properties contacted Public Works pertaining to adding fill to this property. Public Works inspected the property, contacted Mr. Davis and explained due to February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) DAVIS PROPERTIES LAND ALTERATION 2 construction not being imminent the northern portion of the property could not be filled due to floodplain and the remaining property could only be filled with less than 1000 cubic yards, less than 10 vertical feet of fill, and remove 7 trees or less as stated in the Land Alteration Ordinance, Section 29-186(a,b,c,d). On July 1, 2002, Mr. Davis wrote Public Works a letter complying with the fill stipulations for this property. On July 12, 2002, Public Works conducted a site inspection and discovered about 6000 cubic yards of fill had been placed on the property. Mr. Davis was issued a Stop Work Order and a Notice of Violation. The Notice of Violation directed Mr. Davis per Section 29-170(c) to restore the land to maximum extent practicable to its original condition beginning with a site restoration plan within 30 days. Mr. Davis agrees with the issuance of the stop work order and the notice of violation but objects to restoring the land to maximum extent practicable to it original condition by removing the fill material placed on the property. Mr. Davis is appealing to the planning commission to replant pine trees on the south and east property lines to screen the fill material. Public Works is in support of the concept of Mr. Davis’ plan but believes a 25 feet wide buffer of 2–2.5 cal, 10-12 feet pine trees should be planted on the east and south property lines. The western buffer is in need of repair and plantings are required in inadequate areas. Also, the fill material must be hydroseeded with bermuda grass. Public Works requires a restoration plan and warranty agreement be submitted prior to commencing work. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The applicant was not present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item indicating there were no outstanding issues associated with the proposed restoration plan. Staff stated they were agreeable with the restoration plan submitted by the applicant and recommended approval of the plan. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO.: S-1344-A NAME: Montagne Court Revised Preliminary Plat LOCATION: On the northeast corner of Forest Lane and South Katillus Road DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Jim Smith White-Daters & Associates 5011 South Katillus Road #24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72223 Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 14.6 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 60 FT. NEW STREET: 2200 CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family PLANNING DISTRICT: 19 - Chenal CENSUS TRACT: 42.11 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: 1. A variance to allow a 50-foot curve radii on the interior streets on the southern two curves. 2. A variance to allow the interior street to be classified as a minor residential street. 3. A variance to allow a reduced front platted building line for Lots 18 – 26 (20-foot). VARIANCES/WAIVERS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED: 1. A variance to allow double frontage lots for Lots 19 - 36. 2. A variance to allow a 20-foot front platted building line on Lots 1 – 17 and Lots 27 - 60. 3. A variance to allow a reduced rear yard platted building line on Lots 1, 38 and 60. 4. A variance to allow a 5-foot side yard setback on all lots. 5. A variance to allow a reduced minimum lot width for Lots 18 - 21 and 24 - 27. 6. A waiver of internal sidewalk requirement. 7. A deferral of Master Street Plan requirements for improvements to South Katillus Road. 8. A deferral of Master Street Plan requirements for Forest Lane. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1344-A 2 9. A variance to allow a 6-foot brick and wrought iron fence with seven (7) foot brick columns along the west and south property lines and an eight (8) foot wood privacy fence along the north and east property lines. BACKGROUND: At the June 20, 2002 Planning Commission Public Hearing an application was approved for the Montagne Court Preliminary Plat. The applicant proposed the subdivision of this 14.62 acre site into 60 single-family residential lots for the development of garden style homes. The lots were proposed as rear loading with alley access to garages. The average lot size proposed was 60 foot by 120 foot or 7,200 square feet. The applicant proposed the addition of 2,200 linear feet of internal street as a part of the development. The applicant proposed nine waivers and variances from City Ordinances related to the project. The Board of Directors approved these requested variances at their July 17, 2002 Public Hearing (Ordinance No. 18,721). The approval included a variance to allow double frontage lots for Lots 19 – 36. The lots would have access from a new city street, Montagne Court and/or Forest Lane. The applicant proposed a platted 10-foot no access easement along the rear of the lots or along Forest Lane. The applicant proposed reduced setbacks and platted building lines as a part of the development. The applicant proposed adjacent to the interior street a variance to allow a 20-foot front platted building line on Lots 1 – 17 and 27 - 60. The applicant also requested the corner lots (Lots 1, 38 and 60) be allowed a reduced rear yard setback of 8-feet and reduced side yard setback on all lots of 5-feet. The proposed development did not meet the minimum lot size width for a few of the lots in the development therefore, a variance to allow a reduced minimum lot width for Lots 18– 21 and 24 – 27 was requested. The applicant proposed fencing to surround the development. The proposal included an eight-foot wood fence along the north and east property lines (the rear property lines) and a seven-foot brick column and wrought iron fence adjacent to the west and south property line or the street right-of-way. The ordinance standard for fencing height adjacent to the street is four-feet and six-foot adjacent to the side and rear property line. A variance was approved to allow increased heights of the fencing on all property lines (6-foot brick and wrought iron fence with seven (7) foot columns along the west and south property lines). The applicant also requested a waiver of the internal sidewalk requirement and a deferral of Master Street Plan requirements for improvements to South Katillus Road. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1344-A 3 The applicant proposed to phase the street improvements with the development of the subdivision. The applicant also requested a deferral of Master Street Plan improvements to Forest Lane until Phase IV developed. A. PROPOSAL: The applicant is now proposing a variance to allow a 50-foot radii on the interior streets on the southern two curves. The applicant’s previous submittal included the 50-foot radii on the drawing but a variance was not requested to allow the reduced radii. The applicant is also requesting a variance to allow the interior street to be classified as a minor residential street (without sidewalks). The applicant is also requesting a variance to allow a reduced front platted building line within the development. The proposal is for lots (Lots 18 – 26) to have the same reduced front platted building line as was approved for the remainder of the subdivision. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site contains a single-family residence along with a stable and riding arena (for personal use). The applicant has started with the installation of water and sewer lines on the site working toward final platting. The area to the north contains two converted single-family residences with POD zoning; a beauty shop/tanning salon and an attorney’s office. A third structure was recently reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission as a rezoning request to change the site to POD. There is a large tract of undeveloped R-2 zoned property immediately to the east of the site and further east and to the south of the proposed subdivision there are single-family residences, both stick-built and manufactured homes, on large lots. The area to the west contains larger homes on large lots. To the southwest of the site is a newly developing subdivision, Valley Falls Estates. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing staff has not received any comments from the neighborhood. The Westchester/Heatherbrae Property Owners Association and the Johnson Ranch Neighborhood Association along with the abutting property owners were notified of the Public Hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. All comments made on the previous plat apply, unless modified by this filing. 2. As stated in the previous review, interior streets exceed the length permitted by minor residential street standards. In the previous plat, staff supported a waiver of a 24-foot street width in conjunction with rear access design of subdivision but did not support a waiver of sidewalk construction. However, February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1344-A 4 recent comments from the Fire Department indicate that the federal fire code standard is a minimum 26-feet street width. 3. A fifty foot street radius does not meet minimum design standards for a minor residential street. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: A sewer main extension will be required, with easements, if service is required for the project. Contact Little Rock Wastewater Utility at 688-1414 for additional details. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. Water main extensions will be required in order to provide service to this property. This development will have minor impact on existing water distribution system. Proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection. Contact Central Arkansas Water at 982-2438 for additional details. Fire Department: Place fire hydrants per code. Maintain a 20-foot access at Montagne and South Katillus Road. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department at 918-3752 for additional details. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. Landscape Issues: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) Mr. Joe White was present representing the applicant. Staff presented an overview of the proposed development indicating the Commission had approved a preliminary plat for the site in June of 2002. Staff stated the applicant was now requesting three additional variances to the preliminary plat. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1344-A 5 Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated a 24-foot street would be required per the Master Street Plan. Mr. White stated the street did serve more lots than was typical for a Minor Residential Street but the design and concept was to make the subdivision more attractive by narrowing the streets, accessing the garages from the rear and pulling the homes closer to the street. Mr. White stated with the placement of two (2) cul-de-sacs he could accomplish the desired effect but the cul-de-sac development would be a hindrance to the Fire Department and Sanitation Department. Staff stated they would review the request prior to the Commission meeting. Staff stated the applicant had requested a fence height variance and would need to file an application with the Board of Adjustment. Mr. White indicated he would do so on the next available filing date. There were no further issues for discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised plat to Staff addressing most of the issues raised by Staff at the Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant has indicated the streets at 24-feet of pavement and no sidewalks. Public Works Staff has reconsidered the need for sidewalks in the development and has determined even though the development is 60 lots, more than the maximum number of lots allowable for this street classification, the development is served by a loop street and the function is similar to a Minor Residential Street. The applicant is also requesting a 50-foot curve radii on the interior street on the southern two (2) curves. Staff supports this request. With the requested radii the effect will act as traffic calming reducing the speeds of motorist. The applicant has also indicated a 20-foot platted building line on Lots 8 – 26. Staff supports this request. The applicant has indicated the request is to allow the development more uniformity and the remainder of the lots were preliminary platted with the 20-foot platted building line. To Staff’s knowledge, there are no outstanding issues associated with the proposed preliminary plat. Staff is supportive of the request and the requested waivers and variances. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the revised preliminary plat subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of this report. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1344-A 6 Staff recommends approval of the requested variance to allow a 20-foot platted building line on Lots 18 – 26. Staff recommends approval of the requested variance to allow a 50-foot curve radii on the southern two (2) curves on Montagne Court. Staff recommends approval of the request to classify Montagne Court as a Minor Residential Street (without sidewalks). PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) Mr. Joe White was present representing the application. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval subject to compliance outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the above report. Staff recommended approval of the requested variance to allow a 20-foot platted building line on Lots 18 – 26, the requested variance to allow a 50-foot curve radii on the southern two (2) curves on Montagne Court and the request to classify Montagne Court as a Minor Residential Street (without sidewalks). There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 2 FILE NO.: S-1369-A NAME: Graham Smith Addition Revised Plat LOCATION: North of Lee Avenue near the intersection of Woodrow Street and Ozark Point DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Graham Smith Construction Co. LLC White Daters & Associates 2020 West 3rd Street #611 #24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72205 Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 0.41 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family PLANNING DISTRICT: 4 - Heights Hillcrest CENSUS TRACT: 15 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL: The applicant proposes to subdivide this tract of land into two single-family residential lots. The lots will be 8200 square feet (82-feet by 100-feet) and 8700 square feet (87-feet by 100-feet). Lot 1 will have access to Woodrow Street and Lot 2 is a corner lot on Lee Street and Woodrow Street. The applicant is proposing a 25-foot platted building line along Woodrow Street and a 25-foot platted building line along Lee Street as required by the Subdivision Ordinance. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is a vacant tract with a scattering of trees sloping significantly from north to south. Uses in the area are predominately single-family along Woodrow Street and Ozark Point. There are two duplex structures located across Lee Street to the south. To the east of the site is Knoop Park and the Riverdale Day School; February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 2 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1369-A 2 formerly the Easter Seals School site. To the north of the site is a large water treatment plant. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: The Hillcrest Residents Association and the Capitol View Stifft Station Neighborhood Association were notified of the public hearing along with all abutting property owners. As of this writing, staff has received one informational phone call from an area property owner. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Lee Street is classified as a local street under the Master Street Plan. A dedication of right-of-way to 25-feet from centerline is required. 2. The plat should note this lot was originally platted as Lot 2 of the Worthern and Walthour Addition to the City of Little Rock. 3. With Building Permit: 4. Provide design of street conforming to the Master Street Plan. Construct one- half street improvement to Lee Street including 5-foot sidewalk with planned development. 5. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way on Woodrow Street prior to occupancy. 4. A 20-feet radial dedication of right-of-way is required at the corner of Lee and Woodlawn. 5. Plans for all work in the right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain a barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of- way. Contact Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1817 (Derrick Bergfield) for additional information. 6. Stormwater Detention Ordinance applies to this property. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: A sewer main extension will be required, with easements, to serve Tract 1. Contact Little Rock Wastewater Utility at 688-1414 for additional details. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: Approved as submitted. Central Arkansas Water: Existing waterline easement must be shown. Relocation of an existing 16-inch water main at the expense of the developer will be required. Contact Central Arkansas Water at 982-2438 for additional details. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 2 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1369-A 3 Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment. CATA: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. Landscape Issues: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) Mr. Joe White and Mr. Graham Smith were present representing the application. Staff presented the item to the Committee stating the applicant had requested a Staff level “lot split” a few months earlier and was now requesting the resulting second lot be subdivided into two (2) lots. Staff addressed Mr. Smith indicating there were additional items which would need to be shown on the proposed plat. Staff stated the source of water, wastewater disposal, all easements and a vicinity map to scale was required on all submissions. Staff also stated a 25-foot platted building line would be required on all street sides of the proposed plat. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated Lee Street was classified as a local street under the Master Street Plan and a dedication of 25-feet from centerline would be required. Staff also stated the street would have to be widened to meet the current pavement width requirement. Mr. Smith questioned a waiver of street improvements. Staff stated they were not supportive of the idea since the street did provide access to a nearby school. Staff also stated a 20-foot radial dedication would be required at the intersections of Woodrow and Lee Streets. Staff noted comments from Central Arkansas Water and the Little Rock Wastewater Utility. Staff suggested the applicant contact these agencies for additional information. There was no further discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised plat to Staff, as requested, indicating the additional information on the plat and included in the general notes. The applicant has indicated Central Arkansas Water as the source of water supply February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 2 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1369-A 4 and the Little Rock Wastewater Utility as the means of wastewater disposal. The plat also indicates the dedication of right-of-way on Lee Street and a 20-foot radial dedication at the intersection of Woodrow and Lee Streets. The lots will meet the minimum requirement of the Subdivision Ordinance even after the dedication of right-of-way. Lot 1 will be 8,700 square feet and Lot 2 will be 8,200 square feet (7,000 square feet minimum required). The lots will also conform to the minimum lot width requirement (60-foot minimum). The Tract was platted as a single lot as were the lots to the east of the site many years ago and has remained in this configuration. The lots to the west of the site are the more traditional Hillcrest lot configuration, 50-foot widths. The applicant is requesting the subdivision to construct two (2) single-family homes on the site both of which will compare in square footage to the existing homes in the area. Uses in the area include single-family, duplexes and a school. There is a large water treatment plant located to the north of the site and a City of Little Rock park located northeast of the site. Staff feels the use is consistent with uses in the area. The request meets the minimum requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance and the applicant has indicated dedication of additional right-of-way on Lee Street and ½ street improvements to Lee Street as required per the Master Street Plan. To Staff’s knowledge, there are no outstanding issues associated with the proposed preliminary plat. Staff recommends approval of the request as filed. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the requested plat subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of this report. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) Mr. Graham Smith and Mr. Joe White were present representing the application. There was one objector present. Staff stated the proposed plat met all the minimum requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance. Staff stated the applicant was not requesting any waivers or variances. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the requested plat subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the above report. Mr. David Cowan addressed the Commission in opposition of the proposed preliminary plat. He stated parking was a concern of the neighborhood. Mr. Cowan stated Lee Street was a narrow street and cars parked on both sides of the street making it near impossible for fire engines to pass. He stated historically when fire engines could not pass on Lee Street they would use Woodrow as an alternative route. Mr. Cowan stated February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 2 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1369-A 5 with the development of the site into two (2) residential lots this would only add to the number of cars parked on the street. He stated his opposition was a safety concern. Mr. Joe White stated parking on Woodrow was signed for parking on one side of the street only. Mr. White stated the proposed homes would be built with a driveway to minimize street parking by the occupants. There was little discussion of the item. A motion was made to approve the plat as filed. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 3 FILE NO.: S-1370 NAME: Mayer Addition Subdivision Site Plan Review LOCATION: On the northeast corner of West Markham Street and Rodney Parham Road DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Barnes, Quinn, Flake & Anderson White-Daters & Associates 400 W. Capitol Avenue #24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72201 Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 4.6 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: C-3, General Commercial PLANNING DISTRICT: 3, West Little Rock CENSUS TRACT: 21.01 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: Waiver of the Master Street Plan requirement for a right-turn lane on West Markham Street. Waiver of the requirement for driveway spacing on the site. Waiver of the number of required on-site parking spaces (23 proposed vs. 26 required). Waiver of the dedication of right-of-way along West Markham Street. Waiver of the dedication of right-of-way along Rodney Parham Road. Waiver of landscaping requirements along the northern and eastern lease lines (City Beautiful Commission issue). A. PROPOSAL: This site is occupied by a Burger King restaurant, which has been vacant since it burned. The applicant proposes to rebuild the Burger King site in close proximity to the original building. The applicant proposes some modifications to allow additional perimeter buffering along the street frontage and allow for interior landscaping islands. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1370 2 The applicant is requesting a waiver of the right turn lane on West Markham Street along with a waiver of the dedication of additional right-of-way on West Markham Street and Rodney Parham Road. The applicant is also requesting a variance in the number of required on-site parking spaces. The site plan indicates 23 parking spaces while the number of spaces required would be 26 spaces. The applicant will seek a waiver of the required landscaping along the northern and eastern lease lines of the site from the City Beautiful Commission. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site has three (3) lease space areas and a common area containing parking. Existing on the site is the “burned-out” Burger King building, a small kiosk building once used as a gift shop and a strip retail center. Other uses in the area include single-family to the east and north and office and commercial uses to the west and south. The strip retail center contains a pawnshop, an antique store, a clothing store and a used office furniture store. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing staff has received several informational phone calls from area residents. The Apache Crime Watch Neighborhood Association and all property owners within 200-feet of the site were notified of the public hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. West Markham Street is classified on the Master Street Plan as a minor arterial with a special provision for an 80-feet wide right-of-way. A dedication of right-of-way 40-feet from centerline is required. 2. Rodney Parham Road is also classified on the Master Street Plan as a minor arterial. A dedication of right-of-way 45-feet from centerline will be required. 3. A 20-foot radial dedication of right-of-way is required at the intersection of the streets. 4. The Master Street Plan calls for the construction of a right-turn lane at the intersection of arterials. Provide design of street conforming to the Master Street Plan. Construct one-half street improvements to these streets including 5-foot sidewalks with planned development. 5. The drive-through driveway location does not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Section 30-43 and 31-210 for spacing from the intersection (300-feet) and spacing between driveways (150-feet). Consolidate and relocate driveways on Rodney Parham Road. The width of driveway must not exceed 36-feet. 6. The driveway on West Markham must be right turn in, right turn out only. Due to the narrow lot width of West Markham, the proposed driveway location is February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1370 3 acceptable. 7. Plans for all work in the 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) 379-1817 (Derrick Bergfield). 8. All driveways shall be concrete aprons per City Ordinance. 9. Stormwater Detention Ordinance applies to this property. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available on the Burger King site and not adversely affected. Contact Little Rock Wastewater Utility at 688-1414 for additional details. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: No objection. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. Landscape Issues: The average street buffer width requirement along West Markham Street is 34 feet. The average buffer width proposed is 10 ½ feet. The proposed landscape strip meets the Landscape Ordinance 6.7 feet minimum width requirement. The proposed street buffer along Rodney Parham Road meets the ordinance average 22 feet width requirement but in one area drops below the 11 foot width minimum by 4.3 feet. The proposed landscape strip meets the Landscape Ordinance 6.7 feet minimum width requirement. The proposed perimeter landscape strips along the northern and eastern lot lines drop below the 5 feet minimum width allowed by the Landscape Ordinance. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1370 4 Proposed areas set aside for building and interior landscaping meet width ordinance requirements. Landscape Ordinance calculations take into account the 25% reduction allowed for rehabilitation of an existing site. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) Mr. Joe White and Mr. Dickson Flake were present representing the application. Staff presented the item with a brief overview of the proposed development. Staff stated the review of the proposed development was different than the review of a new development on the site. Staff stated the applicant intended to rebuild a burned-out structure. Staff stated the applicant would however raze the building and start from scratch. Staff requested the proposed building height, the proposed signage details and hours of operation be included in the general notes. Staff also requested any additional site lighting must be low level and directional, directed away from residentially zoned properties. Staff also requested the required screening of the dumpster be indicated on the site plan. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated a right-turn lane on West Markham Street was a requirement per the Master Street Plan. Staff also stated dedication of right-of-way 45-feet from the centerline of Rodney Parham Road would be required. Staff questioned the drive-through driveway location stating the location did not meet the ordinance requirement for spacing from the intersection and the spacing between driveways. Staff stated the applicant should consider consolidation and relocation of the driveways on Rodney Parham Road. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated the site was being review as a whole and not as an out parcel to the site. Staff stated this gave considerable flexibility in buffer and landscaping requirements to the site. There were no further items for discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised plan to Staff addressing most of the issues raised by Staff and the Subdivision Committee. The applicant has indicated the common ingress-egress easement on the proposed site plan. The applicant has February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1370 5 also indicated dumpster screening as requested, indicating the screening will conform to the Zoning Ordinance requirement. The applicant is requesting a waiver of Master Street Plan requirements related to the site. The request includes the waiver of a right-turn lane along West Markham Street, the waiver of right-of-way dedication along West Markham Street and a waiver of right-of-way dedication along Rodney Parham Road. Staff supports these requests. The applicant is also requesting a waiver in the number of required on-site parking spaces. The proposed development includes 18 spaces and the drive- through lane. This area can count toward the full-filment of the required spaces allowing an additional five (5) spaces (a total of 23 parking spaces). The typical minimum required parking spaces would be twenty-six (26) spaces based on one (1) space per one-hundred (100) square feet of gross floor area. Staff is supportive of the requested waiver of the number of on-site parking spaces. The proposal is the reconstruction of a burned fast food restaurant. The applicant is rebuilding in close proximity to the existing structure and is not requesting any additional curb-cuts. The applicant is narrowing the drive along Rodney Parham Road and changing the drive to an exit only driveway. The applicant is also installing landscaping around the perimeter of the lease lines. Currently there is no landscaping in place. The area along the northern and eastern lease line falls short of the required five (5) foot minimum width allowed by the Landscape Ordinance. The applicant will seek a waiver of this requirement from the City Beautiful Commission. The applicant has not indicted on the proposed site plan the screening of the menu board speaker for the drive-through window. The applicant will be required to mount the speaker so the sound will baffled on all sides in a manner which will direct the sound produced to the vehicle served. The applicant will be required to provide a solid wall at least six (6) feet in height and twenty (20) feet in length along the opposite lane line. This wall shall be constructed of masonry or wood with a textured finish to diminish sound deflection. With the current lease lines in place, to redevelop the site to meet all existing Ordinance requirements would be near impossible. Staff supports the applicant in their effort to redevelop the site and supports the requested waivers and variances to allow reduced landscaping, a reduced number of on-site parking spaces, a waiver of Master Street Plan requirements to construct a right-turn lane on West Markham Street, a waiver of the right-of-way dedication to West Markham and Rodney Parham Road and a waiver of the driveway spacing requirement. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1370 6 I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed request subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of this report, with the variances and waivers listed below: 1. Staff recommends the applicant install the required screening of the menu board per the Zoning Ordinance requirement. 2. Staff supports a waiver of the Master Street Plan requirement for a right- turn lane on West Markham Street. 3. Staff supports the waiver of the dedication of right-of-way along West Markham Street and Rodney Parham Road. 4. Staff supports the requested variance in the driveway spacing requirement for both West Markham Street and Rodney Parham Road. 5. Staff supports the request to allow a reduced number of on-site parking spaces. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The applicant was present. There were objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval. Staff stated the proposal was the reconstruction of a burned Burger King and the review by Staff was as such. Staff stated they were supportive of the requested waivers and variances when viewing the site as a redevelopment. Mr. Dickson Flake addressed the Commission on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Flake stated the site was a redevelopment. He stated should the city require the Master Street Plan dedications and street construction the site would not be developable. Mr. Flake stated the Burger King was rebuilding in near the exact location as the current building with minor revision to the building location to allow the addition of landscaping on the site, which was currently not in place. Mr. Flake stated the site plan indicated parking was not sufficient to meet the needs of the building but there were two areas on the site which had not been striped and could be striped to add additional parking. Mr. Flake stated Staff had requested written permission from the owners to proceed. He stated the use of the ingress/egress easement by the Burger King lease holder had been secured. Mr. Flake stated the owners of the property had indicated the full use of the site for the Burger King restaurant with regard to parking and access. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1370 7 Mr. John McKay addressed the Commission stating he was a major lease holder of the site. He stated Mr. Dick Downing would represent him before the Commission. Mr. Dick Downing addressed the Commission stating he was representing Mr. McKay who was the single lease holder of the remaining property. Mr. Downing stated Mr. McKay had a ground lease with the owners as did the Burger King owners. He stated according to a lease agreement signed by Burger King and the Mayer Family 30 years ago the Burger King owners were responsible for maintenance of the parking lot. He stated the Burger King owners had never provided any financial participation to maintenance. Mr. Downing stated the Burger King lease was expired. Mr. Downing stated there were other possibilities for redevelopment of the site. He stated Mr. McKay was working with a potential client which would not require the number of waivers and variances as the currently proposal would require to redevelop. Mr. Downing stated the development was a new deal and should be reviewed as such. He stated the City should not repeat the same mistakes made thirty years ago by allowing this site to redevelop in the currently proposed configuration. He stated traffic and safety were the two primary concerns. Ms. Ruth Bell spoke in opposition of the proposed development. She stated the site was not a good location. Ms. Bell stated the grade at this location on Markham Street caused patrons traveling west bound on West Markham to not see automobiles turning into the restaurant or would mistakenly think the driver was turning at the intersection of Markham and Rodney Parham Road. There was a general discussion concerning the site plan and the time period of the approval. Mr. Stephen Giles, Deputy City Attorney, stated the site plan was approved until a situation prompted change and a new site plan was submitted and approved. Mr. Jim Lawson, Director of Planning, stated the Commission should review the plan from one of two ways; a humanitarian or from a planning perspective. A motion was made to approve the application as filed to include all Staff comments and recommendations and the requested waivers of the Master Street Plan requirements. The motion was approved by a vote of 8 ayes, 2 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 4 FILE NO.: S-1371 NAME: Parker Place Preliminary Plat LOCATION: 12011 Garrison Road DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Ronald Thompson, Sr. Blaylock, Threet, Phillips & Associates 12011 Garrison Road 1501 Market Drive Little Rock, AR 72223 Little Rock, AR 72211 AREA: 9.96 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family PLANNING DISTRICT: 30 - Buzzard Mountain CENSUS TRACT: 42.02 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: A variance to allow the creation of two (2) pipe-stem lots. A variance from the minimum width of the pipe-stem at the street right-of-way (30-feet minimum). A variance from the maximum depth of a pipe-stem (300-feet maximum). Waiver of Master Street Plan requirement to construct ½ street improvements to Garrison Road. A. PROPOSAL: The applicant proposes to subdivide this 9.96 acre site into two single-family lots. Lot 2 will be approximately 1.38 acres while the second lot will consist of the remainder of the area. The creation of the plat will require a variance from the Subdivision Ordinance [Section 31-232(f)] to allow the creation of a pipe-stem lot for both Lots 1 and 2. Both Lots will be served by the existing driveway located February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 4 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1371 2 on the site but will have public street frontage to Garrison Road should access become an issue in the future. In addition the definition of a pipe stem lot requires the width of the pipe-stem at the street to be no less than thirty (30) feet and a maximum depth of three hundred (300) feet. The proposed plat does not meet the minimum requirement of the definition. The applicant is also requesting a waiver of the Master Street Plan requirement to construct one-half street improvements to Garrison Road. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is a wooded site with an existing single-family structure located on proposed Lot 1. A single-family structure is located nearer Garrison Road on a tract of land that is not a part of this plat providing a driveway to the lots being considered as this preliminary plat. Other uses in the area include single-family homes located on large tracts of land and a scattering of non-residential uses in a rural setting. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received several informational phone calls from area residents. All abutting property owners were notified of the public hearing. There is not a neighborhood association located in this area. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Garrison Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a minor arterial. Dedication of right-of-way to 45-feet from centerline will be required. 2. Obtain waiver or provide contribution in-lieu of construction for Master Street Plan requirements. 3. Driveway location and width must meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Section 31-210. Driveway width must be less than 20-feet and spaced more than 5-feet from the property line. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: No comment. The site is located outside the service boundary. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: Request a 10-foot utility easement from Garrison Road to 1.3805 acres along February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 4 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1371 3 the western boundary of the pipe stem. Contact Charles McDonald at 373-5112 for additional details. Central Arkansas Water: This area is served by the Maumelle Water Corporation. No water is available form Central Arkansas Water. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. Landscape Issues: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) The applicant was not present. Staff informed the Committee the request was to create a plat, which contained two (2) pipe-stem lots, in the City’s Extraterritorial Planning Jurisdiction. Staff stated they would work with the applicant to resolve any issues associated with the proposed preliminary plat prior to the Commission meeting. There was no further discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: Staff met with the applicant and informed the applicant of the additional information required on the preliminary plat. The applicant has indicated the plat will be revised prior to final submission to Staff and the request for final platting. A platted building line will be shown on the plat at least ten (10) feet outside the pipe-stem. The area around the plat is currently zoned R-2, Single-family and will be indicated as such. The applicant is requesting a waiver of the Master Street Plan requirement to construct ½ street improvements to Garrison Road. Public Works indicated street construction or an in-lieu contribution should be made for the street construction to the roadway. Staff supports the waiver of the street construction February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 4 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1371 4 since it is unlikely Garrison Road will be constructed in ten (10) years, the limit on holding in-lieu contributions by the City. The applicant has indicated they will dedicate right-of-way per the Master Street Plan. The creation of two pipe-stem lots should have no adverse impact on the surrounding area. The lots will be accessed by an existing driveway and should access to these lots become an issue in the future, provisions have been made to provide access to a public street; the pipe-stems. To Staff’s knowledge, there are no outstanding issues associated with the proposed request. Staff recommends approval of the request along with the requested waiver of street construction and variances from the Subdivision Ordinance. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the requested plat subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of this report with the variances and waivers listed below: 1. Staff recommends approval of the requested variance from the Subdivision Ordinance [Section 31-232(f)] to allow the creation of two (2) pipe-stem lots as a result of the platting and the variance to allow an increased pipe-stem depth and a variance to allow a reduced minimum width of the pipe-stem. 2. Staff supports the request of a waiver of the Master Street Plan requirement for street construction to Garrison Road. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) Mr. Ron Thompson was present representing the application. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the proposed plat with a recommendation of approval subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the above report. Staff also presented a positive recommendation of the variances and waivers listed below: 1. The requested variance from the Subdivision Ordinance [Section 31-232(f)] to allow the creation of two (2) pipe-stem lots as a result of the platting and the variance to allow an increased pipe-stem depth and a variance to allow a reduced minimum width of the pipe-stem. 2. The request of a waiver of the Master Street Plan requirement for street construction to Garrison Road. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 5 FILE NO.: S-1372 NAME: Roland Heights Preliminary Plat LOCATION: Roland Heights Road DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Reeda Williamson King’s Surveying, Inc. 91 Sunset Loop P.O. Box 599 Perryville, AR 72126 Perryville, AR 72126 AREA: 5 acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family PLANNING DISTRICT: 29 - Barrett CENSUS TRACT: 42.01 VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: A variance from the lot width to depth ratio. A waiver of Master Street Plan requirement for construction of ½ street improvements to Roland Heights Road. A. PROPOSAL: The applicant proposes to subdivide this five (5) acre tract into two single-family residential lots. One lot will contain approximately three (3) acres and the second lot will contain the remaining two (2) acres. Both lots will have access to Roland Heights Road. The lots will require a variance from the Subdivision Ordinance Section 31- 232(b). The Ordinance requires no lot be more than three (3) times as deep as it is wide, except in cases were lots abut a freeway, expressway or occupied mainline railroad right-of-way. The proposed lots do not meet this requirement. The applicant has indicated right-of-way dedication will be made but is requesting a waiver of the Master Street Plan requirement for ½ street construction to the roadway. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 5 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1372 2 B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is a vacant wooded site sloping significantly to the south from the road. Other uses in the area are predominately single-family on large tracts of land. Pinnacle State Park is located east of the site along State Highway 300. The roadway is a narrow chip-seal road with open ditches for drainage. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: All abutting property owners were notified of the public hearing. There is not a neighborhood association located near the site. As of this writing, staff has received one informational phone call from an area residents. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Roland Heights Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a local street with a 50-foot right-of-way width. Dedication of right-of-way to 25-feet from centerline will be required. 2. Obtain waiver or provide contribution in-lieu of construction for Master Street Plan requirements. 3. Driveway location and width must meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 31-210. Driveway width must be less than 20-feet and spaced more than five-feet from the property line. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: No comment. The site is located outside the service boundary. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: Approved as submitted. Central Arkansas Water: This area is served by the Maumelle Water Corporation. No water is available form Central Arkansas Water. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 5 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1372 3 F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. Landscape Issues: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) The applicant was not present. Staff gave an overview of the proposed preliminary plat to the Subdivision Committee members. Staff stated the applicant was proposing to subdivide a five (5) acre tract into two (2) lots. One (1) of the lots would contain three (3) acres and the second would contain the remaining two (2) acres. Staff stated the proposed preliminary plat would require a variance from the Subdivision Ordinance to allow an increased width to depth ratio. Staff stated they would contact the applicant and work to resolve any outstanding issues associated with the proposed plat. There being no further items for discussion the Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised plat to Staff addressing most of the issues raised by Staff. The applicant has included the additional information requested including the certifications, the proposed source of water and the proposed source of wastewater disposal. The applicant has also indicated a fifty (50) foot platted building line adjacent to Roland Heights Road. Lot 2, although will require a variance from the Subdivision Ordinance to allow an increased width to depth ratio is somewhat similar to the lot configuration of the area. Most of the lots in the area have developed on five (5) acre tracts which are in most cases have a greater depth than is allowable under the Subdivision Ordinance in relation to their width. Lot 1 of the proposed subdivision would meet the minimum requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance for lot width and minimum square footage, but with the current configuration, 70-feet by 686-feet, Staff would recommend the applicant combine the 1.89 acres with the acreage currently owned by the applicant located to the west. The area is not served by a wastewater collection system and requires the placement of a septic system on site for wastewater treatment. The Health Department has indicated 1.89 acres is not sufficient to allow a septic system to “perk”. If Lot 1 remains as currently configured, additional acreage will be required if the applicant desires to sell Lot 1 to allow the site to “perk”. Staff February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 5 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1372 4 feels the combining this lot with the applicant’s lot to the west should happen at this time to avoid any future confusion or misunderstandings. Staff supports the applicant in their request for a waiver of the Master Street Plan requirement of ½ street improvements to Roland Heights Road. The applicant has indicated the right-of-way will be dedicated but feels Roland Heights Road will not be constructed to Master Street Plan requirement at any time in the near future. Staff agrees with the applicant in this assessment. Otherwise, to Staff’s knowledge, there are no outstanding issues associated with the proposed plat. The variance requested, the variance to allow an increased width to depth ratio, should not adversely affect the adjoining property owners. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of the requested plat subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of this report with the following waivers and variances: 1. Staff recommends Lot 2 be recombined with the property to the west currently owned by the applicant. 2. Staff recommends approval of the requested variance from the Subdivision Ordinance [Section 31-232(b)] to allow an increased lot width to depth ratio. 3. Staff recommends approval of the request to allow a waiver of the Master Street Plan requirement of ½ street improvements to Roland Heights Road. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) Ms. Reeda Williamson was present representing the application. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the requested plat subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the above report. Staff presented a positive recommendation of the following waivers and variances as well: 1. Staff presented a recommendation that Lot 2 be recombined with the property to the west currently owned by the applicant. 2. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the requested variance from the Subdivision Ordinance [Section 31-232(b)] to allow an increased lot width to depth ratio. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 5 (Cont.) FILE NO.: S-1372 5 3. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the request to allow a waiver of the Master Street Plan requirement of ½ street improvements to Roland Heights Road. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 6 FILE NO.: Z-3454-M NAME: Courtside Place Revised Short-form PD-R LOCATION: Courtside Place north of Otter Creek Parkway DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Paul Jones McGetrick and McGetrick Engineers 319 E. President Clinton Avenue 319 E. President Clinton Avenue Little Rock, AR 72201 Little Rock, AR 72201 AREA: 0.75 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 6 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: PD-R ALLOWED USES: Patio Homes PROPOSED ZONING: Revised PD-R PROPOSED USE: Reduced rear platted building line. VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. BACKGROUND: On April 2, 1996, with Ordinance No. 17,151, the Little Rock Board of Directors approved a Planned Residential Development for Courtside Place. The proposal included the development of 35 “patio homes” on a 12.68 acre tract. The individual lots on which the homes were to be constructed occupied a 5.9 acre tract and the remainder of the area (Tract A, the floodway of Calleghan Branch Creek with maintenance being the responsibility of the Otter Creek Racquet Club) was to be zoned Open Space. The proposal involved the creation of a loop street, with a single entrance onto Otter Creek Parkway. The proposed lots were to be an average of 53 feet by 90 feet in size with the front building setback line to be set at 10 feet off the right-of-way line, except at two lots at the northeast corner of the tract, where the front building line was to be set at 20-feet February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 6 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3454-M 2 off the right-of-way line. Rear building lines were proposed at 20-feet off the rear lot lines. The homes were to be constructed at a minimum of 1400 square feet in size with one and two story homes being constructed and a two-car garage for each home. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The site has developed as a “patio home” development and most of the homes have been constructed or the lots have sold. As indicated in the Background Section the rear yards have a platted building line of 20-feet in the entire Subdivision. The proposal includes six (6) lots (Lots 9 through 14 of the Courtside Place Subdivision) located in rear of the Subdivision adjacent to Tract A. The request is to reduce the rear platted building line on these six (6) lots from 20-feet to 10- feet for decks, porches and patios. The request would allow for the construction of decks and porches on the rear of the homes planned for these specific lots but would not allow the primary structure to be constructed any nearer Tract A than the 20-foot previously approved. The proposed request reduces the rear building line to coincide with a platted 10-foot utility easement located along the rear of these lots. The lots abut a green space located to the north of the site adjacent to the floodway. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The lots have been cleared but no footings or foundation have been poured on the site. With the exception of these lots and a few others across the street the subdivision has almost entirely developed. The development is a single-family neighborhood with minimum side yard setbacks. Other uses in the area include the floodway located to the north of the site, multi- family located south and east of the site and vacant land located to the west of the site. Single-family homes are located further to the west of the site. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: All property owners within 200-feet of the site, all residents, who could be identified, and the Otter Creek Home Owners Association and Southwest United for Progress, were notified of the public hearing. As of this writing, staff has not received any comment from area residents. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Floodway easement width will be adequate. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 6 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3454-M 3 E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer is available and not adversely affected. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: Approved as submitted. Central Arkansas Water: No objection. The water service is existing to serve the proposed lots being considered for platting. This development will have minor impact on existing water distribution system. Proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection if Tract A is developed. Fire Department: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department at 918-3752 for additional details. County Planning: No comment. CATA: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Otter Creek Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Single Family for this property. The applicant has applied for a revision of the PDR for a revised building line in the rear. The request is consistent with the Land Use of Single Family. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The applicant’s property lies in the area covered by the Otter Creek/Crystal Valley Neighborhood Action Plan. The Residential Development Goal listed an objective of promoting a community structure and design, which promotes and maintains the rural, residential nature of the area. An action statement that encourages the development of owner occupied properties within the planning area also supports the Residential Development Goal. Landscape Issues: No comment. Building Codes: No comment. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 6 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3454-M 4 G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) Mr. Pat McGetrick was present representing the application. Staff presented the item with a brief overview of the request. Staff suggested the applicant indicate two platted building lines on the proposed plat. The first would be for the principal structure with the second allowing for the construction of decks, porches and patios. Staff noted comments from the other agencies suggesting the applicant contact these agencies if there were any questions. There were no other issues for discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised plan to Staff addressing the issues raised by Staff and the Subdivision Committee. The applicant has indicated a 20-foot platted building line for the principal structures and a 10-foot platted building line for decks, porches and patios. Staff supports the request to reduce the building line. The lots affected abut a zoned Open Space tract and the applicant is not reducing the principal structure building line. The reduction will allow decks, porches and patios to be constructed on the rear of the homes, which is currently difficult while maintaining the desire square footage of homes in the Subdivision. To Staff’s knowledge there are no outstanding issues associated with the proposed request. The Subdivision is primarily “build-out” and the requested building line placement abuts a zoned Open Space strip. The request should have minimum to no effect on the surrounding residents. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the request of amend the PRD and the Final Plat to allow a reduced building line on the rear of Lots 9 – 14 of the Courtside Place Subdivision subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of this report. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) Mr. Pat McGetrick was present representing the application. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the request to amend the PRD and the Final Plat to allow a reduced building line of 10-feet for decks porches and patio’s and 20-feet for the principle structure on the rear of Lots 9 – 14 of February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 6 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-3454-M 5 the Courtside Place Subdivision subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the above report. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 7 FILE NO.: Z-5224-H NAME: Saugey Short-form PCD LOCATION: on the northwest corner of Highway 300 and Pinnacle Road DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Phyllis Saugey Donald Brooks Surveying 3725 Lakeshore Drive 20820 Arch Street Pike North Little Rock, AR 72116 Hensley, AR 72065 AREA: 1.28 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: C-1, Neighborhood Commercial ALLOWED USES: Limited retail developments within or adjacent to neighborhood areas PROPOSED ZONING: PCD PROPOSED USE: C-1 uses and the addition of an auction – general merchandise. VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: Waiver of the Master Street Plan requirements to construct ½ street improvements to Pinnacle Road and to Highway 300. A waiver of the landscaping requirements for the site. A waiver of the dedication of right-of-way requirement to Highway 300 and Pinnacle Road. BACKGROUND: The Little Rock Board of Directors zoned this site on February 6, 1990, by the adoption of Ordinance No. 15,813. The rezoning was a part of a larger effort to rezone the area “west of the city limits and north of Denny Road” as a part of implementation of the land use regulation of the extraterritorial planning area. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5224-H 2 A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The site contains three buildings, one of which serves as a beauty shop, one as an antique store and the third as a quiet office. The applicant proposes to rezone the site from C-1 to PCD to allow all three buildings to be removed and a new retail center and auction house to be constructed on the site. The proposal includes 14800 square feet of covered space and the addition of 50 parking spaces. The applicant is requesting proposed uses of the lease space to be uses such as an attorney, a real estate office, a video rental store and/or a beauty shop along with all C-1, Neighborhood Commercial uses. The applicant is proposing an auction house to be located on the site contained within the single-structure. The applicant proposes the hours of operation to be Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm for all the users of the site including the auction house. The site will be used three (3) times per month for auctions; the first Monday of each month a general merchandise auction will be held and the second and fourth Friday of each month a antique auction will be held. The applicant is requesting a waiver of right-of-way dedication to both Pinnacle Road and Highway 300 and the Master Street Plan requirement for ½ street construction to these roads. The applicant is also requesting a waiver of the perimeter and parking lot landscaping requirements. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site contains three (3) buildings currently being used as a variety of non-residential uses. There is a beauty shop, a general office and Saugey’s Antiques located on the site. Across Highway 300 there is a convenience store/gas station located on the northeast corner of Highway 300 and East Pinnacle Road. The area to the north of the site is a vacant lot with a sign indicating “Future Home of New Hope Baptist Church” and single-family to the north of the church site. The area to the south of the site is vacant with a scattering of homes on large tracts of land. The area to the east contains single-family homes also on large tracts and two (2) cemeteries. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received several informational phone calls from area residents. All owners of property 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. There is not a neighborhood association located in this area. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5224-H 3 D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Highway 300 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. Pinnacle Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a collector street. Dedicate right-of-way 30-feet from centerline. 3. Provide design of street conforming to the Master Street Plan. Construct one-half street improvements to these streets including 5-foot sidewalks with planned development. 4. A 20-foot radial dedication of right-of-way is required at the intersection of the streets. 5. Plans for all work in the right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. However, since the property lies outside the city limit, no permits from Public Works will be required. 6. Obtain permits for improvements within State Highway right-of-way from AHTD, District VI. 7. Driveway locations and widths must meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Section 30-43 and 31-210. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Outside the service boundary, no comment. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: This area is served by the Maumelle Water Corporation. No water is available form Central Arkansas Water. Fire Department: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department at 918-3752 for additional details. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5224-H 4 F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Barrett Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Commercial for this property. The applicant has applied for C-1 uses and to add an auction house at this site. The request is consistent with the Land Use of Commercial. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The property under review is not located in an area covered by a City of Little Rock recognized Neighborhood Action Plan. Landscape Issues: Insufficient information to review. Building Codes: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) Ms. Phyllis Saugey and Ms. Betty Saugey were present representing the proposed development. Staff gave an overview of the proposed development indicating there were additional items needed on the proposed site plan. Staff stated the proposed building along with the required parking did not appear to “fit” once the right-of-way was dedicated. Staff suggested the applicant redraw the proposed development and allow for all the required landscaping and right-of-way dedication and then determine if the proposed building would work. Landscape comments were addressed. Staff stated the landscaping requirement along Highway 300 would be 12.6 feet and in no place less than 9-feet. Staff stated the western perimeter would have the same requirement. Staff stated along Pinnacle Road and the northern perimeter a 15.9-foot landscape strip would be required and in no place could the strip drop below 9 feet. Staff stated the applicant would be required a six (6) foot screen to the north and west either dense evergreen plantings or a wood fence with its face side directed outward. Staff stated if the site were more than one (1) acre an irrigation system would be required to water landscaped areas. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated dedication of right-of-way from centerline of Highway 300 would be required at 45-feet and from centerline of Pinnacle Road would be required at 30-feet. Staff stated the applicant would be required to construct ½ street improvements to these streets, provide an in-lieu contribution or request a waiver of street construction. Staff stated they would support a waiver of ½ street construction requirement but would not support a waiver of the dedication of right- of-way. Staff noted comments from the other agencies. There were no further items for discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5224-H 5 H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised survey and drawing to Staff which addressed most of the issues raised by Staff and the Subdivision Committee. The proposed site plan indicated the existing right-of-way of Highway 300 at 40-feet and of Pinnacle Road at 30-feet. The required right-of-way for Highway 300 per the Master Street Plan requirement is 45-feet from centerline. The applicant has requested a waiver of the required dedication of the additional five (5) feet. Staff does not support this request. Staff feels the applicant should dedicate the right-of-way and franchise the parking, which will be located in the new right-of-way. The applicant has also indicated approximately 50 parking spaces on the site. The proposed development would typically require a minimum of sixty-two (62) spaces; if development per the shopping center criteria of one space per 225 square feet. Staff does not feel the proposed parking is an issue. Staff feels since the auction house (8000 square feet) will not be operating during the normal business hours of the retail businesses (6000 square feet) parking should not be an issue. The applicant has also indicated agreements for off-site parking could be reached if parking were to become an issue. The applicant is requesting a waiver of landscaping requirements for the site. The applicant has indicated the area is primarily undeveloped and still in its natural form. The applicant has also stated the properties to the west of the site are owned by the applicant and landscaping is not desired. Staff feels the applicant should place a screening fence to the north and west of the site to screen the single-family homes and allow for changing of ownership at some point in the future. Staff also feels the placement of parking lot landscaping should be installed to soften the effect of the hard surface parking area. The site is located on a route to the Pinnacle State Park and is traveled by numerous visitors yearly. The natural beauty of Highway 300 should be preserved and the placement of some landscaping will assist in this preservation. Staff is supportive of the concept of the proposed development but not with all aspects of the request. Staff supports the proposed uses of the site and the auction house to be located on the site. Staff supports a reduction of the required landscaping on the site but not the entire waiver of landscaping. Staff supports the waiver of the required ½ street improvements to both Highway 300 and Pinnacle Road. Staff does not support the request for a waiver of the right-of-way dedication to these roads. Staff feels the right-of-way should be dedicated and the applicant utilize the right-of-way for placement of parking until such time as the road is widened. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 7 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5224-H 6 Staff feels with the number of requested waivers and variances the applicant is trying to do too much on the site and the development would not lend itself to a quality development or enhance the scenic corridor of Highway 300. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the proposed development as filed. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) Ms. Betty Saugey was present representing the application. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the application with a recommendation of approval. Staff stated the applicant had agreed to the dedication of right-of-way and the installation of landscaping as indicated in the Staff write-up. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 8 FILE NO.: Z-6467-A NAME: Henry Short-form PCD LOCATION: 5301 Mabelvale Pike DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: David Jacks Jim Bagwell Surveying 8209 Stanton Road 122 Gravel Lane Little Rock, AR 72209 Sherwood, AR 72120 AREA: 0.316 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family ALLOWED USES: Non-conforming auto repair garage PROPOSED ZONING: PCD PROPOSED USE: To recognize the non-conforming auto repair garage and to resolve an illegal expansion of the building by adding two additional bays in 1997. VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. BACKGROUND: The site being considered has a history of events including an illegal expansion of the building. On December 19, 1997, a courtesy notice was issued to Calvin Davidson for expanding a non-conforming use, by adding two (2) bays to the existing building. A stop work order was issue by the Building Code Division of Planning and Development. Mr. Davidson was instructed to not continue work until the site was rezoned. On December 29, 1997, Mr. Jim Lawson, Director of Planning, instructed the Enforcement Staff to issue a court citation to Mr. Davidson after receiving information Mr. Davidson was continuing to construct the two bays without a building permit and zoning clearance. The overhead doors were not installed and Mr. Davidson was told to stop work and not to install the overhead doors. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 8 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6467-A 2 Mr. Davidson filed for a rezoning application on January 8, 1998 and the Planning Commission reviewed and made a recommendation of approval for the rezoning of the site from R-2 to C-3 (the applicant amended his request from C-4 to C-3 prior to the Commission meeting) at their April 2, 1998 Public Hearing. After the hearing the applicant filed a Conditional Use Permit scheduled to be heard by the Commission at their June 11, 1998 Public Hearing. The Board of Directors denied the request for the rezoning from R-2 to C-3 at their May 5, 1998 meeting. Staff pulled the requested application for the Conditional Use Permit. During the time after the application was filed for rezoning and the Public Hearing of the Planning Commission the Applicant plead guilty before Judge Stuart for the previous citations on February 5, 1998. On March 2, 1998 a citation was issued for installing the overhead doors and Mr. Davidson plead guilty to the charge. On March 6, 1998 Enforcement Staff issued Mr. Davison another citation for continuing to develop the site (paving the parking area). No additional improvements have been made to the site since the enforcement cases in 1998. The applicant has requested this item be deferred to the March 20, 2003 Public Hearing. The request is related to right-of-way issues associated with the widening of Mabelvale-Pike. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The applicant was not present and there were no objectors present. Staff stated the applicant had requested the item be deferred to the March 20, 2003 Public Hearing. Staff stated the reason for the request was related to right-of-way issues associated with the widening of Mabelvale-Pike. Staff stated they were supportive of the request. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 9 FILE NO.: Z-6481-B NAME: Breshears Revised Short-form PCD LOCATION: On the northwest corner of Woodlawn and Tyler Streets DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: D. R. Breshears Donald Brooks Surveying 6605 Kenwood 20820 Arch Street Pike Little Rock, AR 72207 Hensley, AR 72065 AREA: 0.14 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: PCD ALLOWED USES: Restaurant with 36 seats; a catering-commercial use; C-1 permitted uses. PROPOSED ZONING: Revised PCD PROPOSED USE: Same as above with the addition of a second structure adjacent to the alley to be used as a contractor’s and personal storage shed. VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. BACKGROUND: On September 15, 1998, the City of Little Rock Board of Directors adopted Ordinance No. 17,820, rezoning the site from R-3, Single-family to PD-C. Ordinance No. 17,821, which was also approved on September 15, 1998, deferred the right-of-way dedication on Tyler Street and Woodlawn Avenue for five years. The approved PD-C allowed the continuing use of the building as a deli/restaurant with seating for a maximum of 36 persons, allowing seating on a proposed 20 foot by 17 foot deck with proper screening and no outside speakers. C-1 permitted uses were approved as alternative uses. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 9 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6481-B 2 On February 16, 1999, the Little Rock Board of Directors adopted Ordinance No. 17,933, approving two (2) minor revisions to the previously approved PD-C. The applicant was allowed to add “catering-commercial” as a permitted use of the property, in conjunction with the approved restaurant use. The applicant indicated there would be no expansion of the existing kitchen facility or additional employees required. There would also be no changes to the previously approved site plan. The applicant also requested a modification to the hours of operation. The applicant requested the daily hours of operation to be 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Saturday. The applicant indicated the delivery vehicle for the catering operation would be a mini-van, the restaurant owner/manager’s personal vehicle, which he would drive to the restaurant daily. On May 17, 2001 Staff approved a revision to the hours of operation allowing the restaurant to be open from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm. The applicant has requested this item be deferred to the February 20, 2003 Public Hearing. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The applicant was not present and there were no objectors present. Staff stated the applicant failed to notify property owners 15-days prior to the Public Hearing as required by the Planning Commission By-Laws. Staff stated the applicant had requested the item be deferred to the February 20, 2003 Public Hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the request. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 10 FILE NO.: Z-7345 NAME: Levi Short-form PD-R LOCATION: 4328 “C” Street DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Lance Levi Dee Wilson 320 North Monroe P.O. Box 604 Little Rock, AR 72205 North Little Rock, AR 72115 AREA: 0.56 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: R-3, Single-family ALLOWED USES: Single-family and duplex development through a Conditional Use Permit PROPOSED ZONING: PD-R PROPOSED USE: Duplex VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requsted. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant proposes to convert this existing single-family structure into a duplex. Unit 1 will occupy approximately 1350 square feet and Unit 2 will occupy the remaining 850 square feet. Each unit will have covered parking one of which is an existing two (2) car garage; the second a covered overhang along the eastern side of the structure. There are no exterior modifications proposed to the structure with the exception of needed maintenance and rehabilitation. The only interior changes will be the addition of a bathroom in Unit 2 and the addition of a wall to separate the units. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 10 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7345 2 B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site contains a structure, which has been added on to on several previous occasions and has the appearance of a duplex. The driveway for the site is a gravel drive. “C” Street is a very narrow unimproved street (alleyway) with open ditches for drainage. The area appears to be exclusively single-family with the exception of a house with a garage apartment located on the corner of “C” Street and North Jackson Street. A PRD was approved to the south of the site to allow the development of reduced setback detached single-family homes on eight (8) lots. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has not received any comment from area residents. The Hillcrest Residents and the Capitol View Neighborhood Associations were notified of the public hearing along with all property owners located within 200- feet of the site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Any future driveway locations and widths must be approved by Public Works. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: Approved as submitted. Central Arkansas Water: No objection. Contact Central Arkansas Water if additional and/or larger meter(s) are required at 992-2438. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 10 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7345 3 F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Height/Hillcrest Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Single Family for this property. The applicant has applied for a PDR for a duplex. The proposal does not have a significant impact on the Land Use Plan, which would necessitate a Plan Amendment. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The applicant’s property lies in the area covered by the Hillcrest Neighborhood Action Plan. The Housing Goal promotes the preservation and maintenance of the existing architectural character and charm of the neighborhood. The plan also contains a list of supplemental issues, which includes a housing objective of insuring a variety of housing types that fit the context of Hillcrest. Landscape Issues: No comment. Building Codes: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) Mr. Lance Levi was present representing the application. Staff give an overview of the proposed project indicating there were no exterior modifications proposed as a part of the application. Staff stated the only modifications would be those related to maintenance. Staff also stated the interior modifications were be minimal. Staff requested additional information from Mr. Levi to include an updated survey of the site including the street right-of-way and building setbacks. Staff also requested any proposed fencing be shown on the site plan. Mr. Levi stated the existing chain link fence would remain but no additional fencing was proposed. Staff also questioned if the existing two car garage would remain as a garage or be converted to living space. Mr. Levi stated the garage would not be converted to living space. There was no further discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised plan to Staff addressing most of the issues raised by Staff and the Subdivision Committee. The applicant has received an updated survey indicating the building placement and existing setbacks, and the February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 10 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7345 4 proposed layout of the units. The applicant has also indicated the parking areas on the site plan. Staff is supportive of the request to convert the structure to a duplex. The Hillcrest area is scattered with single-family and duplex development throughout. The proposed use is consistent with the neighborhood and since the applicant is not proposing any exterior modifications or structural changes with the exception of an interior wall to separate the units, this would not alter the character of the structure or the neighborhood in Staff’s opinion. To Staff’s knowledge, there are no outstanding issues associated with the proposed request. Staff recommends approval of the request to allow the existing single-family structure to be converted to a duplex. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the requested PD-R subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the Staff Report. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) Mr. Lance Levi was present representing the application. There was one objector present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the requested PD-R subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the above report. Ms. Rita Sklar spoke in opposition of the proposed development. She stated she and the other property owners had invested into the neighborhood to “turn the neighborhood around”. She stated with rental property and multi-family creeping into the neighborhood this would decrease property values. Mr. Levi addressed the Commission stating he was a property owner in the neighborhood and did not want to decrease property values. He stated his desire was to improve the neighborhood and refurbish a structure, which was in dire need of repair. Mr. Levi stated his home was located adjacent to the site and he would definitely police the premise to keep unwanted elements out of the neighborhood. Commissioner Rector stated the Commission could not zone for rental units. He stated density was a concern the Commission could address and the lot was more than adequate to house two (2) single-family homes. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 10 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7345 5 A motion was made to approve the item as recommended by staff subject to compliance with the conditions in the staff recommendation and write-up. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 11 FILE NO.: LU03-16-01 Name: Land Use Plan Amendment - Otter Creek Planning District Location: 9219 Stagecoach Rd. Request: Office to Commercial Source: Vester Nathan Townsend PROPOSAL / REQUEST: Land Use Plan amendment in the Otter Creek Planning District from Office to Commercial. The Commercial category includes a broad range of retail and wholesale sales of products, personal and professional services, and general business activities. Commercial activities vary in type and scale, depending on the trade area that they serve. Prompted by this Land Use Plan Amendment request, the Planning Staff expanded the area of review to include neighboring land to the north zoned C-3 General Commercial that is shown as Office on the Future Land Use Plan. With this change, the area changed to Commercial for the applicant’s property would be linked to the area currently shown as Commercial on the east side of Stagecoach Road. EXISTING LAND USE AND ZONING: The applicant’s property is a house built on a large lot currently zoned R-2 Single Family and is approximately 2.15+ acres in size. The expanded area includes the neighboring lot to the north that is zoned R-2 Single Family for a house built on a large lot, and all of the vacant property to the north zoned C-3 General Commercial that is shown as Office on the Future Land Use Plan. The zoning surrounding the expanded area includes vacant land to the north zoned C-3 General Commercial, vacant land to the east zoned R-2 Single Family, a house built on a large lot to the south zoned R-2 Single Family. The land to the west consists of a small shopping center zoned PCD and houses built on large lots zoned R-2 Single Family. FUTURE LAND USE PLAN AND RECENT AMENDMENTS: On May 16, 2000 multiple changes were made from Commercial, Mixed Commercial and Industrial, Single Family, and Industrial to Single Family, Public Institutional, Commercial, Mixed Office Commercial, Suburban Office, Service Trades District, and Park/Open Space within a 1 mile radius of the expanded area of review to reflect existing conditions and to protect the integrity of the residential areas located on Crystal Valley Road and Otter Creek Parkway. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 11 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-16-01 2 On October 6, 1998 a change was made from Community Shopping to Commercial at the northwest corner of the I-430/I-30 interchange about 1 mile southeast of the study area to accommodate a proposed development. On May 19, 1998 a change was made from Single Family to Suburban Office on Crystal Valley Road at Goldleaf Drive about ¾ of a mile northeast of the expanded area to accommodate a proposed development. The study area is shown on the Future Land Use Plan as Single Family for the two houses to the south and Office for the vacant land to the north. The property to the north is shown as Commercial, while the land to the east is shown as Park/Open Space. The land to the south is shown as Office while the land to the west is shown as Mixed Use. MASTER STREET PLAN: Stagecoach Road is shown as a Minor Arterial that is built to the Master Street Plan standards of a four-lane Minor Arterial with Bike Lanes. A Class II Bikeway is shown on Stagecoach Road from Brodie Creek to County Line Road. Development of the study area may introduce a number of curb cuts along the east side of the Stagecoach Road right-of-way. PARKS: The Little Rock Parks and Recreation Master Plan of 2001 show the 100-year flood plain of Fourche Creek as a Potential Greenbelt. Development of the study area will need to respect the integrity of the drainage system located in the 100-year flood plain of Fourche Creek as well as the integrity of the Potential Greenbelt shown in the Master Plan of 2001. HISTORIC DISTRICTS: There are no historic districts that would be affected by this amendment. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The applicant’s property lies in the area covered by the Otter Creek / Crystal Valley Neighborhood Action Plan. The first objective recommends limiting commercial and office development in the “heart” of the planning area (located on Stagecoach Road between Baseline and Otter Creek Roads) to that which serves the neighborhood (C-1 uses). In addition, the first objective supports placing the more intense uses on the periphery of the study area. The second objective discourages construction of large, warehouse type facilities, and those of large scale and/or high intensity uses, within the “heart” of the planning area. This application is located inside the “heart” of the study area as described by the neighborhood action plan. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 11 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-16-01 3 ANALYSIS: The back of the applicant’s property neighbors the Fourche Creek 100-year flood plain. The area shown as Park/Open Space that corresponds with the boundary of the 100- year flood plain will create a boundary that will restrict development at the rear of the property. Due to the presence of the flood plain the orientation of future buildings on the property will most likely be toward Stagecoach Road. Future access to the property will also likely be limited to traffic on Stagecoach Road due to the flood plain. Future development of the neighboring property shown as Park/Open Space located in the 100-year floodplain should be limited in scope. Future development of the applicant’s property should take place in a manner that preserves the integrity of the natural environment characteristic of the land to the east. Since there is not a floodplain to the west of Stagecoach Road, residential uses are more likely to develop west of Stagecoach Road, which would be adjacent to developing non-residential development on that side of the road. The non-residential uses on the east side of the road consist of two churches. With the exception of the two churches and three houses on the east side of Stagecoach Road, much the east side of the road remains vacant and undeveloped. This change would open the east side of Stagecoach Road to the possibility of continuous Commercial development. Currently, a majority of the Commercial uses located on Stagecoach Road between Baseline and Otter Creek Roads have developed on the west side of Stagecoach Road. Expanding the area shown as Commercial on the east side of Stagecoach Road would alter the character of the neighborhood by introducing a new use on the side of the road that has traditionally developed with generally Public Institutional or Office type non- residential uses. The increase in Commercial uses on the east side of Stagecoach Road would create an area large enough to accommodate Commercial uses that would draw customers from a larger market area that might not be oriented toward the neighborhood. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: Notices were sent to the following neighborhood associations: Alexander Road Neighbor Association, Meyer Lane Neighborhood Association, Otter Creek Homeowners Association, Quail Run Neighborhood Association, and Rolling Pines Neighborhood Association. Staff has not received any comments from area residents at this time. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: The applicant has requested a deferral to the March 20, 2003 Planning Commission meeting. Staff supports this deferral. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 11 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-16-01 4 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The item was placed on the consent agenda for deferral to the March 20, 2003 Planning Commission meeting. A motion was made to approve the consent agenda and was approved with a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 11.1 FILE NO.: Z-7346 NAME: Townsend Short-form PCD LOCATION: 9219 Stagecoach Road DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Vester Townsend 1218 Mission Road North Little Rock, AR 72118 AREA: 2.15 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family ALLOWED USES: Single-family Residential PROPOSED ZONING: PCD PROPOSED USE: Restaurant VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. The applicant has requested this item to be deferred to the March 20, 2003 Public Hearing. The applicant has contracted with a surveyor to establish the floodplain and floodway lines on the site and the relationship to the proposed parking area. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The applicant was not present nor were any objectors present. Staff stated the applicant had requested this item be deferred to the March 20, 2003 Public Hearing. Staff stated the applicant had contracted with a surveyor to establish the floodplain and February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 11.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7346 2 floodway lines on the site and the relationship to the proposed parking area. Staff stated they were supportive of the request for deferral. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 12 FILE NO.: Z-7347 NAME: Brown Short-form PD-R LOCATION: 2018 Commerce Street DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Gail Brown Dee Wilson 2018 S Commerce Street P.O. Box 604 Little Rock, AR 72204 North Little Rock, AR 72115-0604 AREA: 0.11 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: C-3, General Commercial ALLOWED USES: Retail PROPOSED ZONING: PD-R PROPOSED USE: Residential (14-foot by 30-foot room addition) VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The site is currently occupied by a non-conforming, single-family residence. The applicant proposes to rezone the site from C-3, General Commercial to PD-R to allow the construction of an approximately 350 square foot addition to the structure. The applicant is also proposing the placement of a 12-foot by 10-foot storage building along the rear property line at some point in the future. The site is currently zoned C-3, General Commercial which does not allow for single- family residential development and a rezoning is required to allow the new construction. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 12 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7347 2 B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site contains a well maintained existing single-family structure. A City of Little Rock Alert Center is located east of the site, across South Commerce Street, and a vacant non-residential structure is located to the south of the site and a boarded single-family home is located north of the site. West of the site is vacant. Other uses in the area include a city park, a beauty shop and two (2) churches. There are a large number of vacant lots and boarded homes in the area. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received one informational phone call from an area resident. All property owners located within 200-feet of the site, all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site and the Downtown Neighborhood Association and the East of Broadway Neighborhood Association 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, not adversely affected. Entergy: Approved as submitted. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: No objection. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 12 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7347 3 F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Central City Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Mixed Use for this property. The applicant has applied for a PD-R for an addition to her existing residential structure. The request is consistent with the Land Use of Mixed Use. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The applicant’s property lies in the area covered by the Downtown Neighborhood Action Plan for the Future. The Housing Goal contains an objective of increasing the number of owner- occupied housing units. Landscape Issues: No comment. Building Codes: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) The applicant was not present at the Subdivision Committee Meeting. Staff stated they had contacted the applicant and stated their presence was not necessary since no additional information was needed on the site plan. Staff presented to the Committee the applicant’s request to rezone the site from C-3 to PD-R to allow an addition to the rear of the structure. Staff also stated the applicant had indicated a storage building on the site plan. Staff stated the storage building was not in the immediate plan but should the addition be desired in the future, the applicant had requested the flexibility to add the structure. There was no further discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The site is currently zoned C-3, General Commercial which does not allow single-family residential construction. The site was zoned many years ago as a part of a larger rezoning effort in the City. The area appears to have once been a commercial node but is no longer functioning as such. The site to the east of the residence is a City of Little Rock Alert Center. A vacant non-residential building is located to the south of the site and a vacant boarded single-family home is located to the north of the site. Single-family, whether occupied or not, is the predominate use in the area. The site plan indicates a 350 square foot addition to the existing single-family structure. The addition is proposed in the rear of the structure and meets the minimum required setbacks for residential zones. Staff is supportive of the February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 12 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7347 4 request. The proposed addition should not have any adverse impacts on the surrounding neighborhood. If the site were zoned for the existing use the applicant would not have been required to request a rezoning for the site but would have “pulled a permit” to begin construction. The applicant is also proposing the placement of a 12-foot by 10-foot storage building along the rear property line at some point in the future. Staff is supportive of this request since storage buildings are not uncommon in residential areas and in this neighborhood. To Staff’s knowledge, there are no outstanding issues associated with the proposed request for rezoning from C-3 to PD-R to allow the applicant to make a 350 square foot addition to the single-family home. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed request as filed subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of this report. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) Ms. Gail Brown was present representing the application. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item with a positive recommendation of approval subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the above report. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 13 FILE NO.: LU03-29-01 Name: Land Use Plan Amendment - Barrett Planning District Location: Northwest corner of Highway 10 at Morgan Cemetery Rd. Request: Single Family to Mixed Office Commercial Source: The Storage Place, LLC; Lynn Lindsey, Managing Partnership PROPOSAL / REQUEST: Land Use Plan amendment in the Barrett Planning District from Single Family to Mixed Office Commercial. Mixed Office Commercial provides for a mixture of office and commercial uses to occur. Acceptable uses are office or mixed office and commercial. A Planned Zoning District is required if the use is mixed office and commercial. EXISTING LAND USE AND ZONING: The property is currently vacant land zoned R-2 Single Family and is approximately 3.46+ acres in size. All of the surrounding property is zoned R-2 Single Family. An auto repair garage is located to the immediate west of the applicant’s property. The Joe T. Robinson Elementary School and High School are located to the east of the applicant’s property at the northeast and southeast corners of the Morgan Cemetery Road / Highway 10 intersection. Most of the lands to the north and west consist of single-family homes built on large lots while the land to the south is vacant. FUTURE LAND USE PLAN AND RECENT AMENDMENTS: On January 2, 2002 a change was made from Single Family to Suburban Office, Commercial, and Park/Open Space on the east side of Chenal Parkway south of the Highway 10 intersection about 1 mile east of the applicant’s property to accommodate proposed development and create a buffer between the future development and the residential areas to the east. On March 6, 2001 a change was made from Single Family to Commercial on the south side of Highway 10 in the 19900 block about 9/10 of a mile east of the study area to accommodate proposed development at the node located at the Chenal / Highway 10 intersection. The applicant’s property and the surrounding properties to the south, west, and north are shown as Single Family on the Future Land Use Plan. The land to the east is shown as Public Institutional. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 13 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-29-01 2 MASTER STREET PLAN: State Highway 10 is shown as Principal Arterial while Morgan Cemetery and Chalmont Roads are shown as a Collector Streets. Highway 10 is built as a rural two-lane highway and would be subject to half street improvements in order to conform to Master Street Plan Standards. Morgan Cemetery Road is built as a rural two-lane road with open drainage and also would be subject to half street improvements in order to conform to Master Street Plan Standards. Chalmont Road is built to standard with curb and gutters installed. A Class II Bikeway is shown from Ferndale Cutoff to Chenonceau Boulevard. The improvement of Highway 10 to Master Street Plan Standards would require the designation of a bike lane even though the Master Street Plan does not recommend additional right-of-way or paving for Class II Bikeways. PARKS: The Little Rock Parks and Recreation Master Plan of 2001 shows that the applicant’s property, as well as the Joe T. Robinson Elementary and Junior High Schools are located just outside city limits. However, the Park System Master Plan recognizes public schools as facilities eligible for providing for the recreation needs within eight blocks of all Little Rock households as a part of the “Eight Block Strategy.” The applicant’s property is also located to the east of the “Take it to the Extreme” trail - the western leg of the proposed loop system of trails intended to circle the city. HISTORIC DISTRICTS: There are no historic districts that would be affected by this amendment. CITY RECOGNIZED NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN: The property under review is not located in an area covered by a City of Little Rock recognized neighborhood action plan. ANALYSIS: The applicant’s property is located about 1 mile to the west of the developing commercial node at the Chenal / Highway 10 intersection. The location of the applicant’s property on the north side of Highway 10 is also located across the street from the city limit line. The applicant’s property is also located about 2/3 of a mile west of Highway 300, the western boundary of the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. Most of the Commercial nodes on Highway 10 are located at intersections with Principal and Minor Arterials. The applicant’s property is located at an intersection with a Collector Street. The potential for this area to develop as a Commercial node is limited by the presence of the Joe T. Robinson Elementary and Senior High Schools that are located on the east side of the intersection, thereby limiting development to the west side of the February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 13 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-29-01 3 intersection. Morgan Cemetery Road does not connect to Chalmont Road. Nevertheless, the presence of two Collector Streets intersecting Highway 10 near the applicant’s property may encourage pressure for future non-residential development at this location. The location of the applicant’s property near the Joe T. Robinson Elementary and Senior High Schools may cause traffic conflicts from both the loading and unloading of students and the office/commercial traffic throughout the day. A change to Commercial may encourage developments that generate large volumes of traffic originating from a large market area. Allowing Commercial uses on a Principal Arterial would also encourage the potential increase in traffic. Any potential increase in traffic at this location may be incompatible with the neighboring Public Institutional uses. The Commercial development that is occurring in the vicinity of the applicant’s property is located about a mile to the east at the Chenal / Highway 10 intersection. The Chenal / Highway 10 Commercial node contains land available for non-residential development that is not yet developed to its full potential. About 68.4+ acres of undeveloped land is located at the Chenal / Highway 10 intersection. The applicant’s property is also located to the east of the Highway 10 / Ferndale Cutoff intersection. The Highway 10 / Ferndale intersection is between a Principal Arterial and a Minor Arterial but is also limited in its future development potential due to the location of the Little Maumelle River near the east side of the intersection. The applicant’s property is about halfway between the Chenal / Highway 10 Commercial node and the Highway 10 / Ferndale intersection. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: Notices were sent to the following neighborhood associations: Greystone Manor N. A. Staff has not received any comments from area residents at this time. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff believes the change is not appropriate. A change to Mixed Office Commercial is pre-mature at this time. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) Brian Minyard, City Staff, made a brief presentation to the commission. Donna James made a presentation of item 13.1 so the discussion could coincide with the discussion for item 13. See item 13.1 for a complete discussion concerning the Short Form Planned Commercial Development. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 13 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-29-01 4 Pat McGetrick, representative of the applicant, spoke in support of the application and gave a description of the proposed development. Bill Lessenberry, spoke in opposition to the application stating that the application does not fit within the design guidelines of the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. Mr. Lessenberry also stated that the application was not located in an established Commercial node along Highway 10. Mr. Lessenberry’s comments in opposition to the application also included concerns about drainage issues, traffic conflicts with the elementary school, and screening against visual impacts. Mr. Lessenberry’s comments closed with a statement that he was opposed to both the land Use Plan Amendments and the proposed development. Bill Nowlin spoke in opposition to the Land Use Plan Amendment and the proposed development. Mr. Nowlin also addressed traffic concerns and drainage issues. Mr. Jack Holt spoke in opposition to the application and address traffic concerns and drainage issues. Mr. Holt stated that the proposed use of the applicant’s property conflicted with the neighboring schools and residences. Mr. Jack Holder, representative of the Pulaski County Special School District, spoke in opposition to the application. Mr. Holder stated opposition to the rezoning and that the proposed Commercial uses would generate traffic problems in conflict with parents dropping off and picking up students at the elementary school. Mr. Holder also stated that the proposed uses on the applicant’s property would conflict with proposed residential development in the area and generate drainage problems. Commissioner Jerry Meyer asked if the Pulaski County Special School District had plans to improve parking at the elementary school. Mr. Holder responded that the School District did not have plans to improve parking and stated that the peak traffic generated by the school is in the afternoon hours when parents pick-up students. Pat McGetrick stated that the applicant intended to meet the city’s drainage requirements. Don Lindsey, the applicant, spoke in support of the application. Mr. Lindsey stated that there is a need for a mini-storage facility in this area, that the intersection on Highway 10 is a good location for business, and that the mini-storage facilities are a low generator of traffic. Mr. Lindsey closed his comments with a statement that all access to the property would be from Highway 10. Planning Commission Chair Obray Nunnley asked if there would not be on-site residential management. Mr. Lindsey stated that there would not. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 13 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-29-01 5 Mike Hood, Public Works Staff, stated that the property was outside city limits and would not be subject to the city’s storm water ordinance. Pat McGetrick stated that the applicant wanted to meet the city’s storm water ordinance even though it was not required. Commissioner Judith Faust stated that the location for the proposed development was bad, but appreciated the applicant’s efforts to conform to the city’s storm water ordinance and Highway 10 Design Overlay District. A motion was made to approve the item as presented. The item was failed with a vote of 1 ayes, 9 noes, and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 13.1 FILE NO.: Z-7348 NAME: Morgan Storage Facility Short-form PCD LOCATION: on the northwest corner of Highway 10 and Morgan Cemetery Road DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: The Storage Place, LLC McGetrick & McGetrick 34 Dogwood Lake Drive 319 E. President Clinton Avenue Texarkana, TX 75503 Little Rock, AR 72201 AREA: 3.462 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family ALLOWED USES: Single-family Residential PROPOSED ZONING: PCD PROPOSED USE: Office/Warehouse and Storage Facility VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The development plan for this 3.462 acre site, which is located on the corner of Highway 10 and Morgan Cemetery Road, will include office/warehouse and storage facilities; including one building for boats and RV’s. There is 418.22 feet of frontage along Highway 10 and the office/warehouse building will run parallel with the highway. The building will be metal with either rock, tilt wall or brick on the front and sides. A forty (40) foot landscaped buffer is proposed in the front and the building will be set back 100-feet from Highway 10. The buildings will be 25-feet from the property line on the remaining three sides. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 13.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7348 2 The storage buildings are proposed as metal with steel beams located behind the office/warehouse building with screening on both sides as well as in the back. The metal will be stone color with green trim, gutters and downspouts. There will only be one entry way located approximately in the middle of the property. It will be at least 25-feet wide. The driveways will be asphalt with concrete curbs, gutters and aprons. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is a vacant tree covered site with a drainage ditch running through the middle of the site from north to south. The Joe T. Robinson Elementary School is located to the east of the site, across Morgan Cemetery Road and the Joe T. Robinson Middle and High School campus is located to the southeast across Highway 10. The land adjacent to the site to the west contains a non-conforming auto garage. Properties proposed as a part of the Chenal Valley Development are located directly south of the site and are currently vacant. There is a connecting road from the south, Northfield Drive, adjacent to Joe T. Robinson High School. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: All property owners located within 200-feet of the 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 an active neighborhood association located in this area. As of this writing staff has not received any comment from area residents. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Cantrell Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a principal arterial. Dedication of right-of-way 55-feet from centerline will be required. 2. Morgan Cemetery Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a collector street. The proposed dedication of 60-feet of total right-of-way is acceptable. 3. Provide design of streets conforming to the Master Street Plan. Construct one-half street improvement to the streets including 5-foot sidewalks with planned development. 4. The proposed driveway location is acceptable for purposes of meeting the spacing requirements of Section 30-43. 5. A 20-foot radial dedication of right-of-way is required at the intersection of the streets. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 13.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7348 3 6. Plans for all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. However, since the property lies outside the city limits, no permits from Public Works are required. 7. Obtain permits for improvements within State Highway right-of-way from AHTD, District VI. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Outside the service boundary, no comment. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: A 10-foot utility easement will be required along the west property line. Contact Charles McDonald at 373-5112 for additional details. Central Arkansas Water: A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. This development will have minor impact on existing water distribution system. Proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection. The Fire Department having jurisdiction needs to evaluate this site to determine whether additional public and/or private fire hydrant(s) will be required. If additional fire hydrant(s) are required, they will be installed at the Developer’s expense. Fire Department: Fire hydrants will be required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department at 918-3752 for additional details. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Barrett Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Single Family for this property. The applicant has applied for a PCD for a office warehouse and mini-storage facility. A Land Use Plan Amendment (LU03-29-01) for a change to Mixed Office Commercial is a separate item on this agenda. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The applicant’s property lies in an area not covered by a City of Little Rock recognized Neighborhood Action Plan. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 13.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7348 4 Landscape Issues: The plan submitted fails to provide the twenty-six (26) foot wide land use buffer required along the northern perimeter and the twenty-one (21) foot land use buffer along the western perimeter. Additionally, the plan submitted fails to provide for the twenty-one (21) foot wide street buffer along Morgan Cemetery Road. The Landscape Ordinance requirement is a minimum nine (9) foot wide landscape strip along the northern, eastern and western perimeters of the site. 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 and western perimeters. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many trees as feasible on this tree-covered site. Additional credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance requirements can be given when properly preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger. An irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required. Prior to a building permit being issued, it will be necessary to provide approved landscape plans stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape Architect. Building Codes: No comment received. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) Mr. Pat McGetrick was present representing the applicant. Staff gave a brief overview of the proposed development and stated there was additional information needed on the proposed site plan. Staff requested all paved areas be shown, the screening materials of the proposed dumpster and the maximum building height of the units. Staff also requested the applicant provide the gate material proposed. Staff stated any additional site lighting must be low level and directional, directed away from residentially zoned property. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff requested a 45-foot from centerline dedication of right-of-way along Highway 10 and 30-foot from centerline of right-of-way dedication along Morgan Cemetery Road. Staff also requested road construction per the Master Street Plan for each of these road sections. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated the area along Morgan Cemetery Road fell short of the required land use buffer requirement. Staff stated the buildings could be relocated and the back of the mini-warehouse buildings used to screen and fulfill the ordinance requirement. Mr. McGetrick February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 13.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7348 5 stated he would consider relocating the two outside buildings to meet the requirement. There was no further discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised plan to Staff addressing the issues raised at Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant has indicated the maximum building height to be 20-feet for the mini-warehouse buildings and 15-feet for the office/warehouse building. The applicant has also indicated the dumpster will be screened on three (3) sides with a wood fence at least two (2) feet above the finished height of the dumpster. The proposal includes a total of 106 units of mini-warehouse units and a 12,500 square foot office/warehouse facility. The proposal includes 15 - 10 x 10 units, 7 - 10 x 15 units, 22 - 10 x 20 units 56 - 10 x 30 units and 6 - 25 x 40 units. The applicant proposes one employee for the mini-warehouse facility. The applicant proposes the placement of forty-four (44) parking spaces. The typical minimum parking required would be seventeen (17) spaces. The proposed parking is sufficient to meet the typical minimum parking demand. The applicant proposes the placement of the buildings 25-feet from the east and west property lines and to use the rear of the buildings as screening for the development. The applicant is also requesting to use the back of the rear building to screen from the adjacent single-family zoned property to the north. Drive lanes will be a minimum of 25-feet in width more than adequate to meet the requirement of the Little Rock Fire Department. The applicant has proposed a single sign located near the eastern driveway in the landscaped area. The sign will comply with the City of Little Rock standard for signage in commercial zones or 36-feet in height not to exceed 160 square feet in sign area. Staff would recommend the sign area not exceed the sign area allowed under the Highway 10 Overlay District for Commercial Building Signage or a single ground mounted monument style sign not to exceed six (6) feet in height and seventy-two (72) square feet in area. The site lies just outside the Highway 10 Overlay District but Staff feels the concept should be continued along this section of Highway 10, if possible. The applicant proposes the days of hours of operation to be 24-hours per day seven (7) days per week and the office/warehouse hours are proposed as 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 13.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7348 6 Staff does not feel the proposed development “fits” the area. Even though this site is outside the Highway 10 Overlay District Boundaries the site is very close to the western boundary of Highway 300. The uniqueness of Highway 10 should be preserved and the natural beauty maintained. The site is shown on the Future Land Use Plan as Single Family as is the area around the site. There are Commercial Nodes established on the Future Land Use Plan in the area, which have not developed. Staff feels there is sufficient area designated on the Future Land Use Plan for commercial development and commercial developments should be limited to the established nodes at this time. There is an elementary school to the east of the site and a middle and high school to the southeast of the site. A non-conforming auto repair business is located to the west of the site with the remainder of the area undeveloped or single-family homes. Just west of the western leg of Morgan Cemetery Road is a established Commercial Node with vacant properties. Staff feels the applicant should explore other locations for this type intense development. Staff has tried to maintain the integrity of the Corridor and limit the placement of mini- warehouse development and strip retail center. Staff feels the proposed development would jeopardize the intent of the Highway 10 Overlay District and create a hardship in the maintenance of the existing development pattern within the existing Design Overlay Boundary. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the proposed development and the request to rezone the site from R-2, Single-family to PCD. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) Mr. Pat McGetrick was present representing the application. There were objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of denial. Mr. Pat McGetrick stated the hours of operation of the site were proposed as 7:00 am to 10:00 pm seven days per week and not 24-hours as stated by Staff. Mr. McGetrick also stated the proposed development had incorporate the Highway 10 Overlay Standards even though the site was outside the boundary and the proposed signage would also comply with the Highway 10 Overlay Standard for signage not to exceed the area indicated in the Staff report. Mr. Bill Lessenberry spoke in opposition of the proposed development. He stated his home was located west of the site and did adjoin his property. Mr. Lessenberry stated the proposed development did not “fit” the Highway 10 Corridor plan. He stated there were nodes of commercial indicated on the Cities plan which had not developed which would not require a Plan change to allow development. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 13.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7348 7 Mr. Lessenberry stated drainage was a problem on the site. He stated a box culvert was located under Highway 10 and the site was a part of a larger drainage basin for the area. Mr. Lessenberry stated there were also safety concerns. He stated the site was located across Morgan Cemetery Road from an Elementary School. Mr. Lessenberry stated parents parked on Morgan Cemetery Road and Highway 10 to drop off and pickup children before and after school. Mr. Lessenberry stated the proposed development was in his backyard and if approved he would request the Commission require an eight (8) foot fence along the west side of the development. Mr. Bill Nowlin spoke in opposition of the proposed development. He stated his property was located behind the elementary school. He stated the school’s playground was also located on the north side of their property. Mr. Nowlin stated his concern was with the potential traffic hazard the proposed development could cause. Mr. Nowlin stated drainage was also a concern. He stated the site did carry a large amount of water from areas to the south. Mr. Jack Holt spoke in opposition of the proposed development. He stated ingress and egress on Morgan Cemetery Road were currently a problem. He stated parents parked on Highway 10 in the afternoon to wait for their children and to add a commercial facility adjacent to the school was a concern. Mr. Holt stated drainage would be expensive since the site was currently a drainage basin for the area. Mr. Jerry Holder spoke in opposition of the proposed development. He stated he was representing the Pulaski County Special School District. Mr. Holder stated there were three (3) schools in the area, one adjacent to the site across Morgan Cemetery Road and two south of Highway 10. Mr. Holder stated mini-storage and children were not a good mix. He stated without an on-site manager there would be no control of the activities taking place on the site. Mr. Holder stated with a commercial development traffic would increase in the area. He stated the playground was adjacent to the proposed site which only added to safety concerns. Mr. Holder stated there was a single-family neighborhood located adjacent to the High School owned by Deltic. He stated the school’s desire was for the area to develop as single-family neighborhoods. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 13.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7348 8 Mr. Holder stated drainage was also a concern. He stated the area was low and a wet land which raised environmental concerns. Mr. McGetrick stated the City had in place a Stormwater Detention Ordinance which would require on-site detention. Staff stated the site was not located within the City Limits therefore the Stormwater Detention Ordinance did not apply. Mr. McGetrick stated the applicant would comply with the requirements of the Ordinance although they were not bound by the Ordinance. Mr. Dan Lindsey, the applicant, addressed the Commission. He stated the proposed development would serve a need. He stated the proposed development was located on a major highway and at an intersection which should minimize concerns. He stated the development would not add to problems that were already in existence. Mr. Lindsey stated the front building would be an office/warehouse which would act to shield the mini-warehouse buildings from Highway 10. He stated the back of the rear buildings would screen the adjoining properties. Mr. Lindsey stated the proposed development was not requesting access to Morgan Cemetery Road only one curb cut along Highway 10. There was a brief discussion concerning the applicant’s willingness to meet the requirements of the Cities Ordinance although not required to meet the Highway 10 Overlay Standard or the Stormwater Detention Ordinance. A motion was made to approve the Future Land Use Plan as filed. The motion failed by a vote of 1 aye, 9 noes and 1 absent. A motion was made to approve the requested Planned Development. The motion failed by a vote of 1 aye, 9 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 14 FILE NO.: Z-7349 NAME: FC Partnership Short-form POD LOCATION: 13616 Kanis Road DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: FC Partnership Donald Brooks 1 Pinehurst Circle 20820 Arch Street Pike Little Rock, AR 72212 Hensley, AR 72065 AREA: 2.369 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: R-2, Single-family ALLOWED USES: Single-family Residential PROPOSED ZONING: POD PROPOSED USE: Office – General and Professional VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant proposes to convert this existing single-family structure into an office use. The applicant proposes the site to be used as an office use to conduct their real estate development and property management services company. The applicant has indicated the site will not be used for storage of building material or any other activity related to that type of function. The applicant has indicated the company is currently comprised of three (3) employees and the normal business hours of operation are from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday. The applicant has indicated there will be no exterior modifications to the existing structure or the building footprint. The applicant has indicated all work to the February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7349 2 structure will be cosmetic by painting, replacing windows and updating the interior. In addition, the applicant has indicated a parking pad will be added to the east side of the structure with parking for eight (8) vehicles. The surface will be a hard surface parking pad as required by the Zoning Ordinance. The applicant has indicated landscaping to be installed as required by the Landscape Ordinance to the front of the structure. The applicant has also indicated the rear 100-feet of the property will remain undisturbed green space. The applicant is requesting alternative uses for the site of both professional and general office uses. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site contains an existing single-family structure which is currently vacant. There is a PD-O located east of the site and two (2) single-family homes located west of the site. South of the site there are single-family homes scattered along Kanis Road. Southwest of the site is PRD zoning which was not rezoned when the former Brodie Creek rezoning took place (now called Woodlands Edge). The site contains an existing circular driveway, which appears to cross over the adjoining property before exiting to Kanis Road. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has not received any comment from area residents. The Parkway Place Property Owners Association and the Gibralter Height/Point West/Timber Ridge Property Owners Association were notified of the Public Hearing along with all property owners within 200-feet of the site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site. 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. Provide design of street conforming to the Master Street Plan. Construct one- half street improvement to the street including 5-foot sidewalk with planned development. The project would qualify for a contribution in-lieu of construction. 3. Driveway locations do not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. Only single driveway access would be allowed that is located near the center of the property frontage. 4. Plans of all work in the right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7349 3 start of work. Obtain barricade permits prior to doing any work in the right-of- way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1817 (Derrick Bergfield). 5. Stormwater Detention Ordinance applies to this property. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer main extension required with easements if service is required for the project. Contact Little Rock Wastewater at 688-1414 for additional details. Entergy: Approved as submitted. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: No objection. Contact Central Arkansas Water at 992- 2438 for additional water meter(s) are required. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Ellis Mountain Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Suburban Office for this property. The applicant has applied for a POD for an office development. The request is consistent with the Land Use of Suburban Office. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The applicant’s property lies in the area covered by the Rock Creek Neighborhood Action Plan. The Office and Commercial Development Goal supports the promotion of commercial and office development that enhances the primarily residential character of the community. The Goal of enhancing the residential character of the area is supported by an Action Statement that recommends the aggressive use of Planned Zoning District’s (PZD’s) to influence more neighborhood friendly development. Landscape Issues: The proposed parking area should be moved southward in order to preserve the trees located immediately north of the proposed parking lot. Building Codes: No comment. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7349 4 G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) The applicant was present representing the application. Staff presented an overview of the item indicating there were additional items needed on the proposed site plan. Staff requested the parking area to the east of the building be relocated to the south enough to save the existing tree. Staff also requested the parking spaces be indicated on the proposed site plan. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff requested the applicant dedicate right-of-way on Kanis Road and stated they would support a 15-percent in-lieu contribution for street construction to the roadway. Staff also requested the eastern-most driveway be removed. Staff stated only a single driveway access near the center of the property would be allowed on the site. There were no further issues for discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised plan to staff addressing most of the issues raised by Staff and the Subdivision Committee. The applicant has indicated on the site plan the proposed parking pad with eight (8) parking spaces. The applicant has also indicated the large tree located on the east of the building will be maintained. The revised site plan only includes one driveway location, the existing western most drive. The applicant has indicated the eastern drive will be removed prior to occupancy. The applicant is not proposing any signage as a part of the development. Staff supports allowing office standard signage. The applicant is also not proposing any new fencing on the site. The applicant is however proposing the addition of landscaping in the front yard area and a 100-foot natural undisturbed area located on the rear of the structure. Staff is supportive of the request. Staff feels the area should remain residential in character while allowing limited non- residential development to occur. The applicant proposes the hours of operation to be from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday. There will be three (3) employees reporting to the site, which would yield a limited amount of traffic. The site will be used as a corporate office for the FC Enterprises, Inc. a residential contractor firm. The applicant has also requested alternative uses for the site to include general and professional office uses. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 14 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7349 5 The site is shown as Suburban Office on the Future Land Use Plan and the proposed development is consistent with this classification. Staff is unaware of any outstanding issues associated with the proposed development. Staff recommends approval of the rezoning request to rezone the site to POD. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the Staff report. Staff recommends approval of the request to allow an in-lieu contribution for street construction to Kanis Road. Staff recommends signage be limited to that allowed in office zones. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the POD zoning request subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the above report. Staff also recommended approval of the applicant’s request to allow an in-lieu contribution for street construction to Kanis Road. Staff presented a recommendation that any development signage be limited to that allowed in office zones. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 15 FILE NO.: LU03-04-01 Name: Land Use Plan Amendment - Heights / Hillcrest Planning District Location: 5120 W. Markham St. Request: Office, Commercial, and Single Family to Mixed Use Source: Sharon Adkins PROPOSAL / REQUEST: Land Use Plan amendment located in the Heights / Hillcrest Planning District from Office, Commercial, and Single Family to Mixed Use. The Mixed Use category provides 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. Prompted by this Land Use Plan amendment request, the Planning Staff expanded the area of review to include the southwest corner of the Van Buren / “B” Street intersection. This expansion would include property zoned Planned Commercial Development neighboring the applicant’s property. EXISTING LAND USE AND ZONING: The property is currently zoned C-3 General Commercial, R-3 Single Family, and Planned Commercial Development and is approximately 5.88+ acres in size. The portion of the study area fronting Markham Street consists of a vacant (closed) motel and a fast food restaurant zoned O-3. The land along “A” Street is developed with Single Family housing zoned R-3, which is interrupted by a parking lot located between two houses. Only one house, located between two parking lots, is located on the south side of “A” street. The portion of the study area zoned C-3 is a medical clinic. The land to the North is zoned R-3 Single Family for houses. The properties on the east side of Van Buren consists of a clinic zoned O-3 located north of “A” Street, a clinic and gift shop zoned C-3 located south of “A” Street, and an ice cream parlor / gas station / convenience store zoned O-3 at the corner of Markham Street. The areas located to the east zoned R-3 consists of single-family houses. The property further to the east fronting Markham consists of fast food outlets and small offices zoned C-3 and O-3 respectively. The large tract of land to the south is zoned PR (Parks and Recreation) for War Memorial Park. The land to the west is zoned O-3 for medical and insurance offices fronting Markham Street. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-04-01 2 FUTURE LAND USE PLAN AND RECENT AMENDMENTS: On June 20, 2000 a change was made from Single Family to Suburban Office in the 200 block of McKinley Street about 9/10 of a mile west of the applicant’s property to accommodate a proposed development. On April 20, 1999 two changes were made from Single Family to Mixed Use on the north side of W. 11th Street between Elm and Lewis Streets and on the south side of W. 12th Street between Elm and Lewis Streets about 1 mile southeast of the application area to strengthen and protect the integrity of neighboring residential areas. On March 16, 1999 multiple changes were made from Office and Multi-family to Single Family, Multi-family, Mixed Use, and Office in the vicinity of University Avenue and “C” Streets to reflect existing conditions and protect the integrity of the neighboring residential areas about 1/3 of a mile west of the study area. The study area is shown as Office, Commercial, and Single Family on the Future Land Use Plan. The areas to the north are shown as Single Family. The neighboring land to the east is shown as Office, Commercial, and Single Family. The large area to the south is shown as Park/Open Space. The neighboring property to the west is shown as Office. MASTER STREET PLAN: The Master Street Plan shows Markham Street, Van Buren Street, and Fair Park Boulevard as Minor Arterials. Markham Street is built to a modified standard with a 70- foot right-of-way with a four-lane cross section. Van Buren Street and Fair Park Boulevard are built to a modified standard with a 70-foot right-of-way with three-lane cross sections. Harrison, “A”, and “B” Streets are Standard Residential Streets. Harrison Street and “A” Street have partial curb and gutters installed while “B” street uses an open drainage system. There are no bikeways shown that would be affected by this amendment. PARKS: The Little Rock Parks and Recreation Master Plan of 2001 shows the War Memorial Park as located on the opposite side of Markham Street from the applicant’s property. The Master Plan of 2001 describes War Memorial Park as providing special facilities such as the zoo, fitness center, and a golf course designed to serve the entire city. This amendment is not likely to affect the large facilities at War Memorial Park. HISTORIC DISTRICTS: There are no historic districts that would be affected by this amendment. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-04-01 3 CITY RECOGNIZED NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN: The applicant’s property is located in an area covered by “The Hillcrest Neighborhood Plan: a ‘Blueprint’ of Our Community.” The chapter on zoning and land use contains a goal of creating a different set of guidelines with which to govern the development of Hillcrest. This goal is supported by the two objectives directing specific policy for preserving the aesthetic nature of the neighborhood and establishing design standards consistent with the character of the neighborhood. Two action statements listed in support of these goals include revising the land use map for the neighborhood to consolidate and eliminate certain land uses, and to discontinue the use of commercial structures on Markham Street that do not fit the character of the neighborhood. The plan also contains a list of supplemental issues, which includes a land use objectives of limiting Mixed Uses to the Kavanaugh commercial areas and to control the edge erosion of the neighborhood caused by incompatible uses. The Housing Objectives in the list of supplemental issues include insuring a variety of housing types that fit the context of the neighborhood, preservation of existing housing stock, insuring apartment houses are eight units or less, and reversing the trend of converting single family homes into rental property. ANALYSIS: The applicant’s property is located in a highly developed urban area. The non- residential buildings fronting Markham Street are oriented and accessed from Markham Street. The fast food establishment on the northwest corner of the Markham / Van Buren Street intersection is located on a double frontage lot accessible from both streets but is not located in the amendment area. The houses within the study area on Van Buren between “A” and “B” Streets are oriented toward the streets. These building are more vulnerable to non-residential development, especially those next to the existing parking lot on the north side of “A” Street. The remaining houses located in the area currently shown as Single Family are accessed from “A” Street and face the rear portions of the non-residential properties across the street. Any new development north of “A” Street would need to be analyzed in the context of preventing the net loss of housing units with the purpose of preserving housing stock within the neighborhood. A change to Mixed Use would not radically alter the character of the area fronting Markham Street. The part of the study area fronting Van Buren would be subject to more changes to non-residential uses on the properties currently zoned R-3, while the properties currently zoned for non-residential uses would be less likely to alter the character of the study area. The properties zoned R-3 on the north side of “A” street would be the most likely to face the most changes in character if the properties convert to a non-residential use within the context of the Mixed Use category. The use of Planned Zoning Districts in an area shown as Mixed Use should offer some protection for the residential areas to the north from the non-residential along Markham Street. In contrast the properties fronting Van Buren Street are more residential in nature. The February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-04-01 4 change to Mixed Use could establish non-residential uses further to the north along Van Buren Street. The largest scale development within the study area is the motel on Markham Street. The motel (consisting of four separate buildings connected by a covered walkway) has the largest footprint and height of any buildings located in the study area. The nearest property located on the north side of Markham Street with a similar scale is the one story clinic located on the northeast corner of the Markham / Harrison Street intersection. The non-residential uses on the west side of Van Buren Street north of “A” are located in houses converted to non-residential uses, which match the scale of the neighboring residential properties. The non-residential structures on the east side of Van Buren Street are commercial in character and do not match the scale or character of houses located in the residential areas. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: Notices were sent to the following neighborhood associations: Heights Neighborhood Association, Cedar Hill Terrace Property Owners Association, Hillcrest Residents Neighborhood Association, Prospect Terrace Neighborhood Association, Inc., and Sherrill Heights Garden Club. Staff not has received any comments from area residents at this time. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff believes the change to Mixed Use is appropriate south of “A” Street. This change would allow future development compatible with existing development patterns along Markham Street. Staff believes the change north of “A” Street is not appropriate. This change would allow future development that is not compatible with existing development patterns of single family and duplex housing north of “A” Street. Any zoning or final zoning north of A Street would require further review by staff of the Future Land Use Plan. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) Brian Minyard, City Staff, made a brief presentation to the commission. Donna James made a presentation of item 15.1 so the discussion could coincide with the discussion for item 15. See item 15.1 for a complete discussion concerning the Short Form Planned Commercial Development. Jim Lawson, Secretary to the Planning Commission stated that staff wanted to split the application along the proposed phasing of development so that the city could review two separate applications. Mr. Gary Dean, the applicant, stated approval of phasing the application. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-04-01 5 Mr. Lawson stated that city staff is opposed to changes from Single family north of “A” Street. Mr. Minyard stated that the Land Use Plan amendment could be withdrawn if the area north of A Street is to be reviewed at a later date. Staff would evaluate the proposed development north of A Street against the Land Use plan at that future date. The proposed changes south of “A” do not necessitate a Plan. Mr. Robert Scoggin spoke in opposition to the application and was not opposed to the proposed changes but was worried about the effects on neighboring properties. See item 15.1 for additional details Mr. Morris Harper spoke in opposition to the application and did not want to see commercial uses develop north of “A” Street. See item 15.1 for additional details. Ruth Bell, speaking in opposition to the application asked if the Future Land Use Plan amendment was being discussed. Pat McGetrick stated that the applicant wants to withdraw the Future Land Use Plan amendment. A motion was made to withdraw the item. The item was withdrawn with a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 15.1 FILE NO.: Z-7350 NAME: Markham Suites Short-form PCD LOCATION: on the northeast corner of West Markham Street and North Harrison Street DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: S & B Corporation Williams & Dean 12814 Cantrell Road 18 Corporate Hill Drive, Suite 210 Little Rock, AR 72223 Little Rock, AR 72205 AREA: 2.816 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 3 Zoning Lot FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: C-3, General Commercial & R-3, Single-family Residential ALLOWED USES: Commercial and Residential PROPOSED ZONING: PCD PROPOSED USE: Hotel and Restaurant VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant proposes to change the zoning of the Markham Inn, Jimmy’s Serious Sandwiches and residentially zoned properties to begin a two (2) phase development. The applicant proposes Phase I to consist of the area south of “A” Street; the existing Markham Inn a three-story, 120 room hotel with a total building area of approximately 47,020 square feet and a single level structure that houses a restaurant. The motel was constructed in three phases. There are 132 parking spaces. Currently, the hotel property is not in operation as it was closed in August 2001. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7350 2 The hotel property is located on the northeast corner of West Markham Street and Harrison Street. The property has approximately 227.85 feet of frontage along the north right-of-way of West Markham Street. The property is currently zoned C-3, General Commercial District. The restaurant is a single level structure located on the southeast corner of the property. It is currently leased to a restaurant owner and operator. The request for change in zoning is in preparation for the following improvements: The Markham Inn will become the Markham House Suites. The proposal is to renovate from the former 120 room motel property. The renovation will completely raze one building and convert 78 typical motel rooms into 7 one- bedroom units with kitchens and laundry utility rooms, and 20 two-bedroom suites with kitchens and laundry rooms. The remaining forty-two motel rooms will be completely renovated for a total of 69 rooms. All of the furniture, fixtures, and equipment in the old hotel will be completely replaced. This facility will also include a lobby/administrative area, recreational room, and laundry with a total building area of approximately 37,976 square feet. The property is scheduled to open in July 2003. Other improvements will include: Wrought iron fencing with masonry piers, asphalt-paved parking lot for 65 vehicles including three (3) marked for the handicapped, relocation of above ground utilities below ground, controlled electronic gates for the security of guests, improved exterior lighting directed inward towards the property, five (5) signage locations of 160 square feet in area each, abandonment of alley centered amidst the property, removal of the old parking pavement area and converted to landscaped area, removal of wrought iron railings to be replaced with exterior brick and stucco, existing flat roof to be replaced with new sloped shingled roof and new fire protection sprinkles throughout the facility. A number of existing trees will be preserved at the corner of “A” and Harrison Streets. The single level restaurant structure will be sold to the current leased operator. The restaurant intends to be expand 515 square feet (indicated on the site plat). The owner will, through a shared long term lease agreement for 30 parking spaces, continue to operate. This restaurant’s operating hours are only from 11 am until 3 pm, Monday through Saturday and do not conflict with the hotel traffic. The restaurant owner has leased this property for the past 17 years. Phase II of the development will include the removal of four (4) single-family dwellings owned by the applicant on the “A” Street property north of Markham House Suites. This property will be developed into 14 full-furnished corporate dwellings. There will be a mixture of 1 and 2 bedroom units. The units will be a mix of single story and 2-story buildings, with the 2-bedroom units being townhouses. The buildings are sited to take advantage of the existing topography and existing trees. An enclosed dumpster will be located adjacent to February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7350 3 the existing alley. There will be a access easement across the parking lot directly south of the dumpster enclosure for emergency vehicles entry and exit. The alley does not presently continue to the west of the future dumpster location. Instead, this area provides drainage for the existing property owners on both sides. Phase II also contains thirty-four (34) parking spaces. The applicant proposes the building exterior to be brick, siding, stucco and sloped shingle roofs. The final design of the buildings for Phase II has not yet been completed. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site contains the existing, now closed, Markham Inn. On the north side of West Markham, in this area, there is a mixture of office and commercial uses and south of the site is War Memorial Park. It appears “A” Street is the dividing line from the non-residential and residential uses in the area. There are four single- family homes located north of “A” Street in the proposed project area. A PCD is located north of “A” on the corner of “B” and Van Buren Streets used as a prosthetic clinic. Harrison Street is improved adjacent to the site with curb and gutter. “A” Street is an unimproved roadway. There is an existing functioning alley located on the north boundary of the property, which extends one-half way. The remainder of the alleyway serves as a drainage ditch. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has not received any comment from area residents. The Capitol View/Stifft Station Neighborhood Association and the Hillcrest Residents Neighborhood Association were notified of the public hearing as well as all property owners located within 200-feet of the site and all residents, who could be identified, located within 300-feet of the site. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. North Harrison would be classified on the Master Street Plan as a commercial street. Dedicate right-of-way to 30-feet from centerline. 2. ‘A’ Street would also be classified on the Master Street Plan as a collector street. The existing dedication of right-of-way to 25-feet from centerline and pavement width of 26-feet will be acceptable to meet the standards for a minor commercial street. 3. A 20-feet radial dedication of right-of-way is required at the intersection of all abutting streets. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7350 4 4. Provide design of streets conforming to the Master Street Plan. Construct one-half street improvements to these streets including 5-foot sidewalks with planned development. The existing width of North Harrison of 24-feet is inadequate to meet fire code and for commercial uses. 5. Repair or replace any existing curb and gutter or sidewalks that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. 6. A turn-out must be provided or the gated entrance on Markham similar in concept to the entrance on Harrison. 7. All driveways shall be concrete aprons per City Ordinance. 8. Plans for all work in the right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to the start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right- of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1817 (Derrick Bergfield). 9. Stormwater detention ordinance applies to this property. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Existing sewer mains on site. No construction will be permitted within five (5) feet of the existing sewer mains. Contact Little Rock Wastewater at 688-1414 for additional details. Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: The Little Rock Fire Department needs to evaluate this site to determine whether additional public and/or private fire hydrant(s) will be required. If additional fire hydrant(s) are required, they will be installed at the Developer’s expense. A ¾-inch meter is the largest meter available off the existing main in “A” Street. This development will have minor impact on the existing water distribution system. The proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection. Contact Central Arkansas Water at 992-2438 for additional details. Fire Department: On-site fire hydrants will be required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department at 918-3752 for additional details. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7350 5 F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Height/Hillcrest Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Commercial, Office and Single Family for this property. The applicant has applied for a PCD for an extended stay hotel. A Land Use Plan Amendment (LU03-04-01) for a change to MX is a separate item on this agenda. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The applicant’s property is located in an area covered by “The Hillcrest Neighborhood Plan: a ‘Blueprint’ of Our Community.” The chapter on zoning and land use contains a goal of creating a different set of guidelines with which to govern the development of Hillcrest. This goal is supported by the two (2) objectives directing specific policy for preserving the aesthetic nature of the neighborhood and establishing design standards consistent with the character of the neighborhood. Two (2) action statements listed in support of these goals include revising the land use map for the neighborhood to consolidate and eliminate certain land uses, and to discontinue the use of commercial structures on Markham Street that do not fit the character of the neighborhood. The plan also contains a list of supplemental issues, which includes land use objectives of limiting Mix Uses to the Kavanaugh commercial areas. Landscape Issues: The plan submitted does allow for the minimum 6.7 foot wide land use buffer and landscape strip required by both the zoning and landscape ordinances along the west one-half of the northern perimeter where the alley was previously located. A six (6) foot high opaque screen is also required within this area. Additionally, the land use buffer along the northern perimeter of Lot 7 fails to meet the minimum average 13 ½ foot width requirement by 204 square feet. A six (6) high opaque screen is required within this buffer, though it may not be deemed useful. Additionally, Lots 5, 6 and 7 fail to provide the minimum six (6) percent landscaping required within the interior of the vehicular use area. All of these requirements take into account the reduction allowed within the designated “mature area” of the City. Building Codes: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) Mr. Pat McGetrick was present representing the application. Staff presented a brief overview of the proposed development along with deficiencies on the proposed site plan. Staff requested Mr. McGetrick relocate the dumpster located within the northern alley outside the alley. Staff also requested all signage locations with details of the proposed signage. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7350 6 Staff requested cross-access agreements between the property owner and the tenant to the east (Jimmy’s Sandwich Shop) be shown on the site plan providing for shared dumpster and parking. Staff stated the applicant should contact the Little Rock Fire Department to verify the gate opening widths and to ensure they were sufficient to meet the Fire Department’s requirements. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated all streets would require a dedication of right-of-way and Harrison would require street construction per the Master Street Plan. Staff stated the gate on West Markham was not desirable. Staff questioned if the applicant could relocate the gate further away from the street to allow motorists options when trying to enter the site. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated the plan submitted was not sufficient to meet the minimum requirements of the ordinance. Mr. McGetrick stated he would redesign the parking area and buffer areas to meet the minimum requirements. There was no further discussion. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised plan to staff addressing most of the issues raised by Staff and the Subdivision Committee. The applicant has relocated the dumpster contained in Phase II outside the alley as requested by Staff and included the required screening on the site plan. The applicant has also indicated agreements between the future property owner to the east, Jimmy’s Serious Sandwich, with regard to parking and dumpster location. The original filing included gates and fencing around the entire development. The applicant has indicated gates and fencing will be placed on the site on an as needed basis. Staff is not supportive of fencing or gating of the development. The gate previously shown adjacent to West Markham Street has been relocated to the rear of the eastern most hotel building. This would allow motorists an area to turn-around should they mistakenly happen into the parking lot and not require them to back out into West Markham Street. The site plan also indicates fencing and gates located along “A” Street on the south side. The fence is proposed as a six (6) foot brick and wrought iron fence. The applicant is requesting the fencing be optional should security become an issue in the future. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7350 7 As a part of the proposed development the applicant is requesting a portion of the alley, north of West Markham and south of “A” Street be abandoned. Staff is supportive of this request. The applicant previously indicated a gate on the alley to secure the site but has since revised his request to only adding the gate if security becomes an issue in the future. Staff supports this request as well. The applicant will be required to amend the PCD and allow the Commission to determine if the gate is needed for security. The applicant proposes the placement of sixty-five (65) on-site parking spaces. Hotel/Motel development requires one parking space per guest room and for the restaurant one space is required per 100 square feet of gross floor area. The restaurant is estimated at 2600 square feet and would require 26 parking spaces. The hotel will house 69 guest rooms and would require 69 parking spaces. This results in a typical minimum parking requirement of 95 parking spaces. Staff feels comfortable with the proposed 65 spaces since the guest of the hotel and the restaurant patrons will not likely overlap and it is unlikely all the guest rooms will be occupied and/or all the guests will have automobiles. Signage is proposed in five (5) locations. The hotel proposes identification signs on West Markham Street at Harrison Street and adjacent to the alley (proposed for closure) and Harrison Street. The sign area is proposed at 160 square feet in area, the sign area allowed for commercial zones. The applicant is also requesting signage to identify Phase II in two locations. Both located north of “A” Street at the intersection of “A” Street and Harrison and “A” Street and Vanburen Street. These two signs are also proposed at 160 square feet in area. The final sign location is to serve Jimmy’s Serious Sandwich. The sign area is proposed at 160 square feet in area as well. Staff would recommend the sign area allowed be limited to the following: to identify the hotel establishment one sign limited to six (6) feet in height and sixty- four (64) square feet in area. A single Phase II development sign should be limited to that allowed in multi-family or condominium development, not to exceed six (6) feet in height and 24 square feet in sign area and the sign area to identify Jimmy’s Serious Sandwich be limited to 100 square feet in area. The applicant has indicated dedication of right-of-way to Harrison Street per the Master Street Plan. The applicant has also indicated street construction upgrades to Harrison and “A” Streets. Although, Staff is supportive of Phase I, there are particular aspects of this proposal that Staff does not support. Staff does not support fencing the site or the signage as proposed by the applicant. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7350 8 Phase II has not yet developed. The applicant has indicated Phase II will be compatible architecture to the surrounding neighborhood but staff is not comfortable with making a recommendation without first seeing proposed design, building materials and all the details of the proposed buildings. Staff recommends Phase II be reviewed by the Commission when the Plans have been finalized complete with architectural style and building material. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the applicant as filed. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The applicant was present. There were objectors present. Staff presented the item stating there were two phases to the proposed development. Staff stated Phase I was the redevelopment of an existing hotel development and Staff was supportive of the concept. Staff stated they were opposed to the fencing proposed as a part of the development and the requested signage. Staff stated they had not received enough information to make a determination of Phase II. Staff stated they had requested additional information with regard to design and architecture but had not been furnished with this information. Staff stated without the additional information their recommendation would be denial. Staff stated the applicant could break the project into two applications. One south of “A” Street and one north of “A” Street. Staff stated the request for the area south of “A” Street could be a PCD and the area north of “A” Street re-filed as a PRD. Staff stated the new application would be heard by the Commission in six (6) weeks. Staff stated this would not delay the proposed redevelopment of the Markham Inn and would give additional time to review the residential component of the proposal. The applicant agreed to revise his application to include the area south of “A” Street and refile an application for the area north of “A” Street to be review at a later hearing. Mr. Robert Scoggins spoke in opposition of the proposed development. He stated the area south of “A” Street was not a concern but the area north of “A” Street was a concern since the proposed development backed-up to single-family homes. He questioned if a wall or fence could be installed adjoining these residences to screen the development. He also stated safety was an issue with area residents. Mr. Morris Harper spoke in opposition of the proposed development. He stated his parents owned the property east of the proposed development adjacent to Vanburen Street. He stated he had three (3) areas of concern. He stated he was concerned with February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7350 9 the closure of the alley. He stated only a portion of the alley would be closed and fenced which would greatly decrease access to his property. Mr. Harper stated currently his customers were allowed access through the applicant’s property which would allow a safer exit onto Markham for those traveling westbound. Mr. Harper also stated he was concerned with the developing crossing “A” Street. He stated the Hillcrest Neighborhood was a historical neighborhood and “A” Street had typically been drawn at “A” Street. Mr. Harper stated crossing “A” Street with a development of this intensity was an intrusion into the neighborhood. Mr. Harper stated he was also opposed to the rezoning of the site which would not offer him fair treatment when he requested to rezone a lot of his ownership located east of the proposed development. He stated he owned a lot which was zoned R-3 and was being used as a parking lot. He stated his desire was to rezone the lot to C-3 to allow him zoning which was more in line with the use of the property. Ms. Ruth Bell spoke in support of the proposed redevelopment south of “A” Street and questioned the design of the area north of “A” Street. She stated all the City’s past plans had indicated “A” Street as the dividing line between commercial and non- residential development. There was a general discussion concerning the proposed development and the merits of the development. Staff then stated if the application was re-filed as a PRD the Land Use Plan Amendment could be withdrawn. Staff stated the Plan indicated Commercial and Office south of “A” Street which was consistent with the applicant’s plans. Staff stated if the applicant re-filed the PRD application north of “A” Street a Plan amendment would not be required. Mr. Pat McGetrick requested the Land Use Plan amendment be withdrawn. He stated the applicant also requested the area be divided into two applications the area south of “A” Street as a PCD and the area north of “A” Street as a PRD. Staff questioned the proposed fencing around the development. Mr. Gary Dean stated the fencing would be 42-inches in height and a decorative fencing. Staff questioned if the entire fencing would be 42-inches in height. Mr. Dean stated the fencing along the eastern boundary would be a six (6) foot fence extending to the driveway exit on “A” Street and behind Jimmy’s. He stated the remainder of the fencing would be 42-inches. A motion was made to approve the request to withdraw the Future Land Use Plan amendment. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 15.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7350 10 A motion was made to approve Phase I of the application as filed. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. A motion was then made to waive all filing fees associated with the re-filing of the Phase II portion of the development as a PRD. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 16 FILE NO.: Z-7351 NAME: Miracle Land Company Short-form PCD LOCATION: On the southwest corner of I-430 and Stagecoach Road DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Miracle Development, Inc. Global Surveying Consultants, Inc. 8001 Stagecoach Road 15605 Alexander Road Little Rock, AR 72210 Alexander, AR 72002 AREA: 3.321 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 3 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: C-3, General Commercial ALLOWED USES: General Retail PROPOSED ZONING: PCD PROPOSED USE: Mini-warehouse, carwash and C-3 uses VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: The creation of a lot without public street frontage (Lot 3) [Section 31-231]. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant proposes to subdivide this site into three commercial lots and to rezone the site to PCD to allow for the development of the site with a carwash on Lot 1, an unidentified C-3 use to be located on Lot 2 and a mini-warehouse development on Lot 3 extending from the east. The plat will require a variance from the Subdivision Ordinance [Section 31-231] a lot without public street frontage. Lot 3 will be served by a 30-foot access easement located on the lot lines of Lots 1 and 2. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 16 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7351 2 The applicant will revise the site plan when development becomes a reality on Lots 2 and 3. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is a vacant tree covered site currently zoned C-3. The site adjoins the flood plain/floodway to the south in an area zoned OS. There is a mini-storage development located to the east of the site adjacent to I-430. Other uses in the area include a church located north of the site, a welding shop and a mixture of auto related uses; ABC Salvage, a tire company, a used car lot. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has not received any comment from area residents. The Otter Creek Homeowners Association, the Crystal Valley Property Owners Association and Southwest United for Progress 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. Stagecoach Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a principal arterial. Dedication of right-of-way to 55-feet from centerline at all locations will be required. Provide a survey showing the centerline of Stagecoach Road. 2. Sidewalks with appropriate handicap ramps are required in accordance with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan. 3. In accordance with Section 31-176, floodway areas must be shown as floodway easements or be dedicated to the public. In addition, a 25-foot wide access easement is required adjacent to the floodway boundary. 4. Show limits of the floodplain on the site plan (floodway limits are already shown). 5. A grading permit and development permit for special flood hazard area is required prior to construction. 6. Driveway locations and widths do not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. The lots must share a single driveway access centered on the property line. The width of driveway must not exceed 36-feet. 7. All driveways shall be concrete aprons per City Ordinance. 8. Stormwater detention ordinance applies to this property. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 16 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7351 3 9. Obtain permits (barricade/street cut) for improvements within proposed or existing right-of-way from Traffic Engineering and AHTD prior to construction in the right-of-way. 10. Prepare a letter of pending development addressing streetlights as required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock Code. All request should be forwarded to Traffic Engineering. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected. Entergy: Approved as submitted. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: Approved as submitted. Central Arkansas Water: A water main extension will be required in order to provide service to this property. The Little Rock Fire Department needs to evaluate this site to determine whether additional public and/or private fire hydrant(s) will be required. If additional fire hydrant(s) are required, they will be installed at the Developer’s expense. Particularly planning for water service and Fire Department access to Lot 3 should be considered. This development will have minor impact on existing water distribution system. Proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection. Fire Department: Fire hydrants will be required. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department at 918-3752 for additional details. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Otter Creek Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Commercial for this property. The applicant has applied for a PCD with C-3 uses for a mini-storage expansion from the development to the east and a new carwash. The request is consistent with the Land Use of Commercial. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The applicant’s property lies in the area covered by the Otter Creek/Crystal Valley Neighborhood Action Plan. The plan contains an objective that discourages construction of large, warehouse February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 16 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7351 4 type facilities, and those of large scale and/or high intensity uses, within the “heart” of the planning area. This application is located outside the “heart” of the study area as described by the Neighborhood Action Plan. Landscape Issues: A land use buffer with an average width of 16.8 feet is required along the western perimeter of the site. Utility easements cannot count toward fulfilling this requirement. 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. If this project is to be separate from the project to the east, then a minimum 6.7 foot wide landscape strip will be required the entire length of the eastern perimeter. However, if a portion of the eastern perimeter is to abut the same use, then that portion will be exempted from the perimeter landscaping requirement. An irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required. Prior to a building permit being issued, it will be necessary to provide approved landscape plans stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape Architect. Building Codes: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) The applicant was present representing the application. Staff presented an overview of the item to the Committee noting additions, which were needed on the proposed site plan. Staff requested additional details on Lot 3 including building location, setbacks and outdoor storage areas identified. Staff also requested the limits of the floodplain and all utility easements be indicated on the proposed site plan. The applicant indicated only Lot 1 had immediate plans for development. He stated the proposed mini-storage on Lot 3 was not in the near future and when the plan was developed he would return to the Commission and the Board for approval of the modified site plan. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated although there were two existing driveway apron locations, the applicant should remove the western-most drive and place a shared drive between Lots 1 and 2 near the eastern-most driveway apron. Staff stated they would not support the two driveway locations due to their closeness. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 16 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7351 5 Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated if the area to the east was not included in the proposal then the applicant would be required to meet all landscaping and landuse buffer requirements. Staff suggested the applicant include the existing mini-storage site with the development plan to reduce the buffer requirements. There was no further discussion. 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 by Staff and the Subdivision Committee. The applicant has indicated no development will take place on Lots 2 or 3 at the present time. He has indicated any future development will require Planning Commission and Board of Directors approval prior to construction. In the interim, Lot 1 will development with a carwash. The applicant has included on the site plan the dumpster location with required screening, the location of the vacuums, drive through and self-wash bays. The applicant has also indicated a 6.67-foot landscape strip located on the east property line and the south property line of Lot 1. The proposed preliminary plat will require variance from the Subdivision Ordinance [Section 31-231] the creation of a lot without public street frontage. The applicant has indicated the lot will be served by a 30-foot access and utility easement located on the shared property lines of Lots 1 and 2. Staff is supportive of the requested variance to allow the creation of a lot without public street frontage and feels the proposed access is sufficient to access Lot 3 should the lot develop as a separate parcel from the mini-warehouse to the east. Staff is supportive of the development plan. Staff feels the applicant submitting a site plan for each of the remaining lots, as development is proposed, is a very desirable alternative. Otherwise, to Staff’s knowledge there are no outstanding issues associated with the proposed site plan. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed development subject to compliance with conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of this report. Staff recommends approval of the requested preliminary plat and the requested variance from the Subdivision Ordinance to allow the creation of a lot without public street frontage [Section 31-231]. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 16 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7351 6 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of approval of the proposed rezoning to PCD subject to compliance with conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the above report. Staff stated the proposed development would result in the creation of a three (3) lot plat which would require a variance to the Subdivision Ordinance. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the requested preliminary plat and the requested variance from the Subdivision Ordinance to allow the creation of a lot without public street frontage [Section 31-231]. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 17 FILE NO.: Z-7340 Name: Johnson Day Care Family Home – Special Use Permit Location: 1805 Glenda Drive Applicant: Trina L. Johnson Proposal: A Special Use Permit is requested to allow a Day Care Family Home to be operated in the single family residence located on the R-2 zoned property at 1805 Glenda Drive. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION: All owners of property located within 200 feet of the site, all residents within 300 feet who could be identified and the Twin Lakes, Twin Lakes “B” and John Barrow Neighborhood Associations were notified of this request. STAFF ANALYSIS: The occupant of the single family residence located at 1805 Glenda Drive is requesting approval of a Special Use Permit to allow her to operate a day care family home. The application was originally filed as a conditional use permit, but was amended by the applicant. The applicant proposes a total enrollment of 10 children. Staff is proposed to consist of the applicant, one other employee and one volunteer as needed. Days and hours of operation are to be Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m. To accommodate parking issues which may arise during operating hours, the applicant proposes to widen the residence’s driveway from its current width of 16 feet to 26 feet. No signage will be erected on the property. The fenced back yard will be used for playground area and outdoor activities will be limited to daylight hours. The applicant states it is her desire to use her home for childcare for a maximum of two years, after which she hopes to open a childcare center in a different (business) location. The applicant has discussed the Subdivision’s Bill of Assurance with the neighborhood association and is aware that there may be an issue. The property is located in the “heart” of the Twin Lakes neighborhood and the applicant’s property and home are typical of those found in the area. All surrounding properties are zoned R-2 and are occupied by single family homes. While staff is generally supportive of the concept of small-scale day care family homes as a component of neighborhoods, there are aspects of this specific proposal that raise concerns. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 17 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7340 2 Section 36-54(e)(3) of the City of Little Rock Zoning Ordinance establishes the site and location criteria for day care family homes as follows: a. This use may be located only in a single family home, occupied by the care giver. b. Must be operated within licensing procedures established by the State of Arkansas. State regulations shall control the number of employees residing off premises. c. The use is limited to ten (10) children including the care givers. d. The minimum to qualify for special use permit is six (6) children from households other than the care givers. e. This use must obtain a special use permit in all districts where day care centers are not allowed by right. Special Use Permits are not transferable in any manner. Permits cannot be transferred from owner to owner, location to location or use to use. The applicant has proposed a total of three caregivers; herself, one paid employee and one volunteer. Staff believes it is more appropriate to limit a day care family home to being operated by the occupant of the residence. Allowing additional employees raises the level of activity on the site and brings the appropriateness of the use into question. The extended hours of operation are also of concern to staff. The applicant proposes to operate the day care until 12:00 p.m. Staff questions whether allowing the use to operate past the typical day care closing time of 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. is appropriate. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (JANUARY 16, 2003) The applicant was present. Staff presented the item and noted that some additional information was needed regarding signage, parking and playground activities. There was a general discussion of the level of activity proposed by the applicant and the possibility of reducing the proposed enrollment. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission. Staff subsequently met with the applicant who, in response to staff comments, amended the application to a Special Use Permit with the numbers and proposed operation outlined in the “Staff Analysis” above. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the application, as filed. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 17 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7340 3 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Two letters of opposition had been received by staff and forwarded to the Commission. Staff presented the item and asked that the applicant clarify the total number of children proposed to be enrolled. Staff also voiced concern about the number of employees and the proposed hours of operation. The applicant, Trina Johnson, stated the total enrollment would be 10 children. She stated there would be only one other employee, besides herself. Ms. Johnson stated the volunteer would fill-in if one of the two employees were absent. Commissioner Faust asked Ms. Johnson to again clarify the enrollment number. Ms. Johnson restated that the total enrollment would be 10 children and that there would only be two employees on the site at a time. Commissioner Faust asked Ms. Johnson why the late hours were proposed. Ms. Johnson responded that she had four families who had evening jobs or night school and needed child- care past 6:30 p.m. Chairman Nunnley voiced concern about traffic coming and going from the home in the evening. In response to a question from Commissioner Faust, Ms. Johnson stated she could set the proposed hours of operation to end at 10:00 p.m., rather than midnight. In response to a question from Commissioner Rahman, Ms. Johnson stated she had met with the president of the neighborhood association, Mr. Harshaw. According to Ms. Johnson, Mr. Harshaw stated he did not object to the business, if it were limited to a special use permit with an enrollment of 10 children. In response to a question from Commissioner Langlais, Ms. Johnson stated the extended hours would be needed four times a week. After a brief discussion of parking and hours of operation, a motion was made to approve the application, as amended to a Special Use Permit as described by the applicant. The vote was 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. The application was approved with the following conditions: 1. Compliance with the site and location criteria for day-care family homes in Section 36- 54(e)(3) of the Code. 2. Hours of operation are to be Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 17 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7340 4 3. No more than two employees, including the applicant, are to be on the site at a time. 4. No signage is to be placed on the property. 5. Outdoor activities are to be limited to daylight hours. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 18 FILE NO.: Z-6178-G NAME: Stagecoach Village Revised PCD (Signage issue on Lot 2 and Lot 4) LOCATION: 9222 Stagecoach Road DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: Finley & Company Hurricane Valley Engineers 9222 Stagecoach Road P.O. Box 118 Little Rock, AR 72210 Bryant, AR 72807 AREA: 1.68 Acre NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: PCD and POD ALLOWED USES: Selected Office and Commercial Uses PROPOSED ZONING: Revised PCD and POD PROPOSED USE: Selected C-3 Uses and O-3 permitted uses. VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. BACKGROUND: The Stagecoach Village preliminary plat was approved by the Planning Commission in August of 2000. The Plat contained four (4) lots. As a separate action on September 5, 2000, the Board of Directors approved Ordinance No. 18,342 establishing Stagecoach Village (Lot 4) Short-form PCD. The applicant proposed to construct a 3,600 square foot branch bank building and a 9,000 square foot commercial building and 54 parking spaces. At the time of approval, the applicant proposed to convert the bank building into a commercial building (C-2 uses) if a bank tenant could not be secured. The site plan was later revised (June 26, 2001) at a Staff level to remove the bank building from the site plan and the commercial building square footage was February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 18 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6178-G 2 increased to 10,800 square feet. The applicant proposed the building to be used as 80% commercial (C-2 uses) and 20% office (general and professional). The hours of operation were proposed at 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday. The sign area approved for Lot 4 was to be a maximum of eight (8) feet in height and eighty (80) square feet in area. The sign was to be a monument style ground mounted sign. On March 21, 2000, the Board of Directors passed Ordinance No. 18,234, which rezoned Lot 2 from R-2 to PCD. C-2 permitted uses were approved for the property, with the uses for the entire development being tied to the preliminary plat application. As a part of the proposal the applicant proposed to utilize the existing 3,230 square foot building on Lot 2 and construct 15 parking spaces to serve the building. The applicant also proposed to utilize the existing driveway from Stagecoach Road to serve Lot 2 temporarily, until the new street for this subdivision was constructed. At that time the existing driveway would be closed and a shared drive between Lots 2 and 3 would be used. The timing of the new street construction will be tied to the preliminary plat and the final platting of Lot 3 or 4, or the development of the larger single-family tract. Ordinance No. 18,340, rezoned Lot 2 from PCD to POD and was approved by the Little Rock Board of Directors on September 5, 2000. The applicant requested O-3 uses as permitted uses for Lot 2. (The applicant requested C-2 permitted uses for Lots 1 and 4 and O-3 permitted uses for Lots 2 and 3.) The applicant also agreed to a single-ground mounted monument style sign six (6) feet in height and a maximum of sixty-four (64) square feet in area to be constructed on Lot 2. The hours of operation for Lot 2 were approved as 8:00 am to 9:00 pm and there were to be no external pay phones, ice machines, vending machines or speakers. The applicant was to remove the existing access drive from Stagecoach Road to Lot 2 when Staley Drive was constructed. The area was to be replaced with landscaping. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant proposes to revise the Planned Developments related to signage allowed on the site. The applicant was approved for a ground mounted monument style sign to be located on Lots 2 and 4. The approved signage was not installed on Lot 4. The request is to recognize the existing pole mounted sign located on Lot 4 along with Subdivision identification signs located on Lots 2 and 4. Signage has not been installed on Lot 2. The current signage consists of Stagecoach Village Subdivision identification signs (one located on the northeast corner of Lot 2 on Stagecoach Village Drive February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 18 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6178-G 3 and one located on Lot 4 on the southeast corner of Stagecoach Village Drive) and the existing pole mounted backlit tenant identification sign located on Lot 4. The applicant proposes to “turn-off” the lighting for the sign by 11:00 pm daily. The applicant is also requesting a six (6) foot sixty-four (64) square feet in area ground mounted monument style sign for the future uses of Lot 2. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is developed as a strip retail center. There are seven bays with four being occupied with a mixture of small scale retail uses (cleaners, Subway, beauty supply, gift shop). Other uses in the area include an office located on the northwest corner of Stagecoach Village Drive and Stagecoach Road. A Planned Development for Residential uses has been approved to the west of the site and is beginning to develop. The site has parking located both in front and rear of the building. Access to the site is taken from a single access point from Stagecoach Village Drive. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, Staff has received one phone call from an area resident. The Otter Creek Homeowners Association, Southwest Little Rock United for Progress, all property owners within 200 feet of the site and all residents, who could be identified, within 300 feet of the site were notified of the Public Hearing. This item was not re-routed to the various agencies and utilities of comments since an application was previously submitted and withdrawn at the December 19, 2002 Planning Commission Public Hearing. These comments were included with the previous agenda. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: No comments. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected. Entergy: No comment received. ARKLA: No comment received. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 18 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6178-G 4 SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: No objection. Fire Department: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department at 918-3752 for additional details. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: The site is not located on a dedicated bus route and has not effect on bus radius, turnout and route. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: No comment. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: This request is located in an area covered by the Otter Creek/Crystal Valley Neighborhood Action Plan. The OC/CV Neighborhood Action Plan contains an Action Statement calling for the aggressive use of Planned Zoning Districts to influence more neighborhood- friendly and better quality development under the Office and Commercial Development Goal. The plan contains an Action Statement of limiting commercial and office development to a corridor along Stagecoach Road and between Baseline Road and Otter Creek Road. The plan also contains a statement of requiring businesses to be access by a loop street to minimize curb cuts and allow for attractive landscaping. Landscape Issues: No comment. Building Codes: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) The applicant was not present at the Subdivision Committee meeting. Staff informed the Committee Members the applicant was requesting a revision to his Planned Developments for Lots 2 and 4 of the Stagecoach Village development. Staff stated the applicant had installed a pole-mounted sign on Lot 4 but the signage approved was a monument style ground-mounted sign. Staff stated they would work with the applicant to resolve any outstanding issues associated with the proposed development prior to the Commission meeting. There being no further items for discussion, the Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 18 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6178-G 5 H. ANALYSIS: Staff made a site visit to review the existing signage of the development. The applicant has installed two (2) subdivision identification signs, one (1) north of Stagecoach Village Drive and one (1) south of Stagecoach Village Drive. The signs are ground-mounted style and consistent with signage area allowed for subdivision identification signs per the Zoning Ordinance. However, the Ordinance only allows one (1) sign per subdivision. Staff does not feel the applicant’s request for two (2) signs is too far out of line and would support the request to allow the two (2) identification signs. The applicant has also installed a pole-mounted sign on Lot 4 instead of the approved eight (8) foot high maximum of eighty (80) square feet in area. The pole-sign is 24-feet in height and has a sign area of 64-square feet. This is significantly smaller than the allowed sign area in commercial zones or 36-feet in height and 160 square feet in area. Although, the signage installed is not the approved signage of the Planned Development, staff feels the signage is acceptable. The signs height and area are within the allowable guidelines for signage in commercial zones. Staff feels however the lighting of the sign should not be light unless the businesses are open. Therefore, staff recommends the backlighting of the pole-mounted sign be limited to the retail business hours or 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday. Staff would recommend the signage for Lot 2 remain as the previously approved and the current request of a maximum of six (6) feet in height and sixty-four (64) square feet in area. To Staff’s knowledge, there are no other outstanding issues associated with the proposed request. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs E and H of this report. Staff recommends the lighting of the existing pole sign be limited to the hours of operation of the commercial center (8:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday). February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 18 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6178-G 6 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The applicant was not present. There was one objector present. Staff stated the applicant had failed to notify property owners 15-days prior to the Public Hearing as required by the Planning Commission By-Laws. Staff stated the applicant had requested the item be deferred to the February 20, 2003 Public Hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the request for deferral. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 19 FILE NO.: LU03-24-01 Name: Land Use Plan Amendment - Sweet Home Planning District Location: East of Trust and Sanders Street Request: Single Family and Low Density Residential to Multi-family Source: Todd Rice, Vanadis Group PROPOSAL / REQUEST: Land Use Plan amendment in the Sweet Home Planning District from Single Family and Low Density Residential to Multi-family. The Multi-family category accommodates residential development of ten (10) to thirty-six (36) dwelling units per acre. Prompted by this Land Use Amendment request, the Planning Staff expanded the area of review to include the property located at the northwest corner of Sanders Street and Southern Road. With this change the applicant’s property would be linked to the area shown as Multi-family between Southern Road and Frazier Pike and between Sanders Street and Franklin Street. The property at the southwest corner of Frazier Pike and Sanders Street would remain shown as Mixed Use. EXISTING LAND USE AND ZONING: The applicant’s property is currently vacant land zoned R-3 Single Family and is approximately 2.22+ acres in size. The expanded area includes a pavilion on the campus of the Rivercrest Healthcare nursing home zoned C-3 located at the northwest corner of Southern and Sanders Streets. The College Station Community Resource Center is located in the northeast corner of the study area next to the College Station Post Office. The property to the north is zoned C-1 Neighborhood Commercial for a vacant liquor store located at the southwest corner of Frazier Pike and Sanders Street, and R-3 Single Family for a house located at the southeast corner of Frazier Pike and Sanders Street. A Post Office zoned C-3 is located northeast of the application area on the corner of Gray Street and Frazier Pike. The properties to the east, south, and west consist of single-family homes and vacant lots. The nursing home located on the north side of Southern Road west of Sanders Street is zoned MF-18 Multi-Family. A cemetery is located southeast of the application area at the end of Gray Street. FUTURE LAND USE PLAN AND RECENT AMENDMENTS: On November 16, 1999 multiple changes were made from Commercial, Multi-family, Park/Open Space, Public Institutional, Single Family and Agricultural to Low Density Residential, Mixed Use, Public Institutional, Multi-family, Park/Open Space, and Single Family within a 1 mile radius of the applicant’s property to reflect existing conditions throughout the neighborhood. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 19 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-24-01 2 The expanded area of review is shown as Low Density Residential and Single Family. The property to the north is shown as Mixed Use while the land to the east is shown as Low Density Residential and Single Family. The land to the south and west is shown as Single Family. The property on the north side of Southern Road to the west of Sanders Street is shown as Multi-family. MASTER STREET PLAN: Sanders Street, Southern Road, and Gray Street are all classified as local streets. Sanders Street, Southern Road, and Gray Street utilize open drainage and will need improvements in order to conform to Master Street Plan Standards. Frazier Pike, located ½ of a block to the north, is a two-lane road shown as a Minor Arterial that may be affected by increasing in traffic resulting from the development of the applicant’s property but would not be subject to half street improvement. Currently the applicant’s property is accessible from Sanders and Gray Street. Improvements would need to be made to both streets to meet the demands of increased traffic resulting from the development of the applicant’s property if it is developed to Multi-family densities. The Master Street Plan does not show any bikeways that would be affected by development of the applicant’s property. PARKS: The property in question is located about 2 blocks west of the College Station Elementary School. The Little Rock Park System Master Plan of 2001 recognizes public schools as facilities eligible for providing for the recreation needs within eight blocks of all Little Rock households as a part of the “Eight Block Strategy.” HISTORIC DISTRICTS: There are no historic districts that would be affected by this amendment. CITY RECOGNIZED NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN: The property under review is not located in an area covered by a City of Little Rock recognized neighborhood action plan. While there is not a neighborhood action plan for the neighborhood recognized by the City of Little Rock, Planning staff worked with the College Station Community Redevelopment Coalition. The coalition reached a consensus on the issues to have the preservation and reinforcement of College Station as a residential neighborhood and to strengthen Frazier Pike as the community’s commercial core. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 19 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-24-01 3 ANALYSIS: The applicant’s property is located in the residential area south of Frazier Pike in the community of College Station. The core of the College Station community is located along Frazier Pike between Jones Street and 3-M Road. The College Station Elementary School, the largest non-residential feature of this community, serves as the anchor of the community at the east end. Any new uses developing in this area would need to respect the integrity of the school. At the west end, the non-residential uses centered on the Frazier Pike / 3-M Road intersection are commercial in nature where future business oriented non-residential developments are liable to take place. The application area is located near the center of the College Station Community between the two ends of the non-residential core. This change would increase the density of possible residential development south of Frazier Pike near the core of the College Station community. If the land use is changed to Multi-family, an arm of Multi-family will be created in an area characterized by a low density of Single Family development. Since a large number of the lots shown as Single Family are vacant, a change to Multi-family will be a substantial increase in residential density. However, the area east of Gray Street that would be available for future Single Family development is relatively small. The area shown as Public Institutional for the elementary school and the cemetery is not as likely to develop for other uses in the future. The small area to the east of Gray Street that would remain as Single Family would be separated from the residential area west of Sanders Street. The amount of vacant land that would remain shown as Single Family west of Sanders Street would still provide opportunity for such development to take place in the future. Any development that increases the density of residential uses in the area will need to respect the integrity of the less intense neighboring residential uses. Interaction between Multi-family uses and the other uses to the north may include an increase of traffic and an added demand on area infrastructure. Since most of the existing uses to the north are residential or institutional in character, the impact of a change to Multi-family will depend on the nature and scale of the specific developments in the area shown as Multi-family. A low intensity Multi-family development will impact the utility infrastructure network shared by neighboring businesses and residences, while a high intensity Multi-family development will also generate more traffic. A traditional Multi-family development of apartments would be an example of a high intensity Multi-family development that would create more demand on existing infrastructure. A non-traditional Multi-family development such as an assisted living complex would be an example of low intensity Multi-family. Such a development would generate less demand on existing infrastructure due to the lower volume of traffic generated and a lower average number of persons occupying each unit. The way a Multi-family development is implemented will determine whether or not it is compatible February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 19 (Cont.) FILE NO.: LU03-24-01 4 with the single-family uses. A Multi-family use that is institutional in nature may be more compatible with neighboring Single Family and Public Institutional uses by functioning as a place of transition available to allow the mixing different age groups. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: Notices were sent to the following neighborhood associations: College Station Progressive League, and Granite Mountain Neighborhood Association. Staff has not received any comments from area residents at this time. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff believes the change is not appropriate. A typical Multi-family development would not be appropriate in this location. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The item was placed on the consent agenda for deferral to the February 20, 2003 Planning Commission meeting. A motion was made to approve the consent agenda and was approved with a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 ITEM NO.: 19.1 FILE NO.: Z-7353 NAME: Fruit of the Spirit Short-form PD-R LOCATION: Between Sanders Street and Grey Street near the intersection of Trust Street DEVELOPER: ENGINEER: The Vanadis Group Caradine & Company 221 West 2nd Street P.O. Box 190 Little Rock, AR 72201 Little Rock, AR 72203 AREA: 2.5 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: R-3, Single-family ALLOWED USES: Single-family residential PROPOSED ZONING: PD-R PROPOSED USE: 40 unit assisted living for the elderly facility VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant proposes to construct a 40-bed assisted living facility for the elderly on this 2.5-acre site. The structure is proposed as a single-story building of masonry construction. A fenced courtyard for privacy and security as well as secured and monitored exits is proposed. There will be substantial common space for communal dining and recreation as well as a laundry, commercial kitchen and other amenities on-site. The center will offer 36 one bedroom units and 4 two bedroom units. Each unit is approximately 410 square feet and 620 square feet respectively. The applicant has indicated each unit will offer February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 19.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7353 2 separate sleeping quarters for privacy, a fully accessible bathroom, ample closet space and a modern kitchenette. The development will consist of a mixture of market rate and affordable assisted living units and will be funded primarily through the issuance of low-to-moderate tax credits through the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. The applicant proposes the primary ingress/egress from Sanders Street on the west and all receiving and parking will be located on the west side of the site as well. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is a vacant tract of land located in College Station. The property to the north of the site is also vacant. Single-family homes are scattered along Sanders Street and Gray Street the boundary streets and to the south of the site. Other uses in the area include a mix of residential, non-residential and public uses. There is a County Health Unit facility located in the area and a nursing home located north and west of the site. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: The College Station Progressive League, all residents located within 300-feet of the site, who could be identified and all owners of property located within 200- feet of the site were notified of the public hearing. As of this writing, staff has not received any comment from the area residents. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. The proposed land use would classify Sanders Street on the Master Street Plan as a commercial street. Dedicate right-of-way to 30-feet from platted centerline. 2. The proposed land use would classify Grey Street on the Master Street Plan as a commercial street. Dedicate right-of-way to 30-feet from the as- constructed centerline. 3. Provide design of street conforming to the Master Street Plan. Construct one- half street improvements to these streets including 5-foot sidewalks with planned development. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: No comment received. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 19.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7353 3 Entergy: No comment received. Center-Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of the meter connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. This fee will apply to all meter connections including any metered connection off a private fire system. The Fire Department, having jurisdiction, needs to evaluate this site to determine whether additional public and/or private fire facilities will be required. If additional facilities are required, they will be installed at the Developer’s expense. This development will have minor impact on existing water distribution system. Proposed water facilities will be sized to provide adequate pressure and fire protection. Contact Central Arkansas Water at 992-2438 for additional details. Fire Department: No comment received. County Planning: No comment received. CATA: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: The site is shown as Single Family on the City’s Future Land Use Plan. The desire use is not consistent with Single Family therefore a Land Use Plan Amendment has been filed for this item and is a separate item on this agenda. (File No. LU03-24-01 - Item # 19) City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The area lies in an area not covered by a City of Little Rock recognized Neighborhood Action Plan. Landscape Issues: No comment received. Building Codes: No comment. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (January 16, 2003) The applicant was not present. Staff stated the proposed development consisted of the construction of a 40-bed assisted living facility for the elderly. Staff stated there were a few items, which were needed on the proposed site plan which had not been addressed. Staff stated they would contact the applicant and try to resolve any issues prior to the Commission meeting. February 6, 2003 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 19.1 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7353 4 There being no further items for discussion, the Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS: Staff met with the applicant and made comments of the additions needed on the proposed site plan. The applicant has indicated a single-story building on the site plan along with additional landscaping. Staff feels the proposed development is a fit for the neighborhood. The proposal includes 40 units of assisted living elderly housing. The proposed development is consistent with the definition under the City of Little Zoning Ordinance and the normal objection to multi-family development in an area should be somewhat calmed by the fact elderly housing is defined by the Zoning Ordinance. The area contains a hodge-podge of development. There are single-family homes, commercial businesses, public facilities and a nursing home to name a few of the type uses. Staff feels the proposed use would not negatively affect the neighborhood if developed in the manner proposed. The proposed density is 16 units per acre. The City’s Future Land Use Plan indicates the site as Single Family. There is an area however, shown on the Plan as Multi-family located ½ block north and ½ block west of the site. The Multi-family shown is developed. An area ½ block to the north of the site is designated as LDR or Low Density Residential and a large portion of this area is developed. To Staff’s knowledge, there are no outstanding issues associated with the proposed development if developed in the manner proposed. Staff would recommend approval of the request to rezone the site to allow assisted living for the elderly. I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed rezoning request to Planned Development – Residential subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the above report. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The applicant was not present. Staff stated the applicant had failed to notify property owners 15-days prior to the Public Hearing as required by the Planning Commission By-Laws. Staff stated the applicant had requested the item be deferred to the February 20, 2003 Public Hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the request for deferral. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. February 6, 2003 I T E M N O . : 2 0 NAME: Land Alteration Ordinance Variance for Forest Management LOCATION: Kiwanis and Morehart City Parks Pine timber in Kiwanis and Morehart Parks is in need of thinning to promote vigorous growth and reduce risk of pine beetle infestation to protect the remaining trees. With the aid of the Arkansas Forestry Commission, the park trees were measured and inventoried. Forest management practices are to maintain timber stocking at a basal area (square footage in cross-section) of 80. Kiwanis Park is currently at 135 with 170 trees per acre and Morehart has a 102 basal area factor with 109 trees per acre. Thinning of these parks to the recommended stocking level requires the removal of 418 trees with an average diameter of less than 10 inches in diameter in Kiwanis Park, and 911 trees with an average diameter of 12 inches from Morehart Park. We would like to schedule the thinning operations for late winter 2003, before the park usage increases in the Spring. STAFF UPDATE: The Parks Department has requested this item be deferred to the March 20, 2003 Planning Commission Public Hearing. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 6, 2003) The Parks Department was not present representing the application. Staff stated the Parks Department had requested the item be deferred to the March 20, 2003 Public Hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the request for deferral. There was no further discussion of the item. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent.