HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-4343-I Staff AnalysisFILE N Z-4 4 -I
NAME: SADDLE CREEK RETAIL CENTER -- LONG -FORM PLANNED
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
LOCATION: Approximately 0.2 mile north of Cantrell Rd.,
northwest of the present end of Ranch Dr., at the northwest
corner of the future intersection of Ranch Dr. and Chenonceau
Blvd., in "The Ranch".
DEVELOPER:
ENGINEER:
Ed Willis - Joe White
FINANCIAL CENTRE CORPORATION WHITE-DATERS & ASSOCIATES, INC.
900 S. Shackleford Rd.. - 401 S. victory St.
Little Rock, AR 72215 Little Rock, AR 72201
224-9600 374-1666
AREA:
9.176 ACRES
NUMBER
OF LOTS: 6
FT.
NEW STREET: 780
ZONING:
0-2
PR
POSED UES:
Retail
Shops and Offices
PLANNING DISTRICT: 20
CENSUS TRACT: 42.05
VARIANCES RE UE TED: A waiver is requested from the requirement
that on-site stormwater detention, be provided.
STATEMENT QF PROPOSAL:
The applicant proposes a multiple building, mixed use, commercial
and office, "planned commercial development" which is to be
constructed in two phases over a minimum of two years. The
proposed uses are requested to be those as enumerated in the
listing of permitted uses for the C-2 zoning district, and, for
the first phase, the uses are planned to include restaurants, a
day care.facility, physicians and dentists offices, hair styling
shops, a convenience store, a decorator shop, and a variety of
other retail shops. The first phase is to consist of the
construction of three buildings totaling 26,550 square feet of
floor space. Phase two will involve construction of three
additional buildings containing an additional 33,600 square feet.
The total project size, then, will be 60,150 square feet of
building area. As part of Phase I development, parking for 131
vehicles is planned; for Phase II, an additional 137 parking
spaces is planned. Total parking, then is 268 spaces. As part
of this project, Ranch Dr. will be extended from its present end,
westward from Ranch Blvd. to intersect with Chenonceau Blvd.
Chenonceau Blvd. will be extended from Cantrell Rd. north to
beyond the subject development in conjunction with a 260 -unit
apartment project which is to lie to the west of Chenonceau
FILE Z-4343-1_- nt.
Blvd., and which was previously approved by the Planning
Commission. Phase I construction is anticipated to begin as
early as the fall of 1995, with Phase II construction beginning
in mid-1996, depending upon the pace of leasing of the buildings.
In conjunction with the "PCD" approval, a preliminary plat for
Lot 2, Tract F of The Ranch subdivision is proposed. This lot
encompasses the area of the proposed PCD.
A. PROPONQLZREQUEST•
Planning Commission review and Board of Directors approval
of a "PCD" for the Saddle Creek Retail Center is requested.
Planning Commission approval of a one -lot preliminary plat
is requested. A waiver of the requirement to provide on-
site stormwater detention is requested.
B. EXISTINQ CQNDITIONS:
The site is presently vacant, and is mostly cleared of
trees. The terrain is, for all practical purposes, level.
A drainage channel runs along the north boundary of the
site.
The current zoning of the site is 0-2. The 0-2 district
begins at Cantrell Rd., and extends northward to the north
boundary of the subject site. This 0-2 district extends
east and west from the proposed site. Beyond the site to
the north is R-2 zoned property, but abutting the site to
the northeast is the Arkansas Baptist High School, a
conditional use in the R-2 zoned area. To the northwest,
across where Chenonceau Blvd. is to run, is an MF -18 tract,
and is the location of the future apartment project
mentioned above.
C. ENDINEERINGIUTILITY COMMENTS:
The Public works staff comments that:
1) Sketch plan information providing floodplain
information should be provided prior to Planning
Commission action. APDC&E approval, along with a
proper grading and excavation permit, must be granted
before any work is begun.
2) The entrance drive from Chenonceau Blvd. must be
widened to 36 feet.
3) Sidewalks must be constructed on both boundary streets.
Plans for the construction of Ranch Dr. to collector
street standards must be submitted.
2
FILE Z-4 4 -I (Cont.)
4) Provide a drainage easement for the large drainage way
on the North boundary. It is recommended that the
structures be held 25 feet, minimum, from the limits of
the water surface. The design and construction of this
open drainage for the flow of 3500 cfs will require
approval. The ditch may require concrete lining or
other erosion protection. It is recommended that this
large ditch be fenced for the protection of the public.
5) A stormwater detention analysis will be required. The
approved drainage system for chenonceau Blvd. does not
allow for this site to discharge drainage over the curb
or into -the inlets on Chenonceau Blvd. Discharge from
this site must be directly into the north drainage
ditch.
6) The entrance drives should have adjacent sidewalks
connecting to the public sidewalks.
Little Rock Municipal Water Works comments that on-site fire
protection will be required. Meters will be off public
water mains. An acreage charge of $150 per acre may apply.
Little Rock Wastewater utility comments that a sewer main
extension, with easements, will be required.
Arkansas Power and Light Co. notes that easements will be
required.
Arkansas Louisiana Gas Co. approved the submittal without
comment.
Southwestern Bell Telephone, Co. approved the submittal
without comment.
The Fire Department noted that, if the buildings are not to
be sprinklered, then the fire hydrants will need to be
relocated; then, with Phase II development, fire hydrants
will need to be added.
The Neighborhoods and Planning Site Plan Review specialist
comments that the areas set aside for buffers and
landscaping meet and exceed Ordinance requirements when
averaged out; however, portions of the proposed northern and
northeastern parking lots extend into the required buffer
areas. Curb and guttering, or another approved border, will
be required to protect landscaped areas from vehicular
traffic. A six foot high opaque screen, either a wooden
fence with its -face side directed outward, or dense
evergreen plantings, will be required to screen this site
from the residential zoned properties to the north and
northeast. Dumpster locations must be shown and must be
3
FILE Z-4 4 -I n
screened on three sides with an eight foot high wood fence
or wall.
D. I SUEVLEGAL,/TECHNICALIDE619 :
The Planning staff comments that the proposed development is
located in the Pinnacle Planning District, and the adopted
plan designates the site to be developed for "MOC", mixed
office and commercial development. The proposed development
needs to be a true mix of uses, or it should be an office
development. If it is a mix of office and commercial uses,
the proposed mix of uses should be specified and be the
subject of review. It is noted that the site abuts single-
family zoned property lying to the north, and care should be
taken in the siting of the development along the northern
boundary line.
Sec. 36-456 requires, in addition to the information
submitted, that contours on the site be provided; that a
schematic landscaping plan be included; that sidewalks which
meet Ordinance requirements be shown, or a waiver requested;
and, that watercourses, floodplains/floodways, or other
natural features be shown. The drainage ditch along the
north boundary of the site needs to be shown, and its
development needs to be addressed.
The rights-of-way for the Ranch Dr. and for Chenonceau Blvd.
are shown to be 60 feet; the proposed width of the street
sections are not shown.
Dimensions of driveways need to be furnished; e.g., the
dimensions for service drives at the rear of buildings.
Possible "blind" corners at the -intersections of parking
lots need to be studied. Sufficient maneuvering and turn-
around space needs to be furnished for the service drives.
The drive-thru at the west end of the "B" building in Phase
I needs to be limited to uses which will not cause stacking
of vehicles, and thus obstruct the entrance drive onto
Chenonceau Blvd.
A detail of the project sign, shown at the Ranch Dr.-
Chenonceau Blvd. intersection, must be detailed.
Sec. 36-502(3) establishes the parking requirements for
general business and retail uses: In this section, 1
parking space for each 300 square feet of gross floor area
per building is required, up to 10,000 square feet. From
10,001-20,000 square feet, 95% of this basic requirement is
specified. There are two 10,000 square foot buildings and
three 11,800 square foot buildings, with one 4,7850 square
foot building. The ordinance will require 203 parking
spaces; 268 are provided.
4
FILE z-4 4 -I (Cont.)
E. ANALYSIS•
There are a number of site layout issues which need to be
addressed, including concerns of the Public Works and
Neighborhoods and Planning staffs. There is information
required by Public Works which has not been furnished.
There are some landscaping and buffer issues to be resolved.
The primary concern, however, is the issue raised by the
Planning staff regarding the need to specify a use mix in
order to achieve a mixture of uses, or to limit the
development to office uses, and the concern about the
proximity of the development to residentially zoned property
to the north. This planning issue needs to be dealt with,
with the use mix established.
F:. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the PCD, subject to an
acceptable use mix being proposed and approved, and subject
to the utility and staff comments being addressed.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT:
(JULY 20, 1995)
Mr. Ed Willis, with Financial Centre Corporation, the developer,
and Mr. Joe White, with White-Daters & Associates, Inc., the
project engineering firm, were present. Staff outlined the
proposed development to the Subdivision Committee member present,
and reviewed with Misters Willis and White the staff comments
contained in the discussion outline. Mr. Willis was concerned
that he could not establish a use mix ratio, since, he said, the
use depends on the types of tenants who can be recruited. He
said that the uses could very well be totally retail and service
establishments. Staff reiterated that a mixture of uses was
required by the land use plan, and that some acceptable ratio of
office and commercial uses was essential for the proposed project
to be in conformance with the land use plan. The drive-thru at
the west end of the "B" building of Phase I was discussed. Mr.
Willis indicated that the drive-thru would probably be a cleaners
pick-up window, or some other type of low traffic generator. He
said that he would agree to limit the tenant for this space to
some acceptable user. The need for turning and maneuvering space
at the rear of the buildings, especially the "B" building where
the drive is not a thru drive, was discussed. Mr. White
responded that the required space would be provided. David
Scherer, with the Public Works staff, discussed the various
Public Works concerns, and Mr. White said that the issues would
be addressed. The Committee forwarded the item to the full
Commission for the public hearing.
5
FILE Z-4343-1 ntJ
PLANNING MMIS I N ACTION: (AUGUST 8, 1995)
The Chairman, Mr. Walker, introduced this item for public hearing
and requested that staff offer its recommendation. Richard Wood,
of the Planning Staff, introduced the recommendation by stating
that staff was in receipt of a revised site plan resolving most
of the issues that had been previously presented to the developer
at Subdivision Committee.
Wood reported that the few remaining design items to be resolved
could be handled at staff level between the Planning Office and
Public Works. The remaining overriding issue remains the use
mix. Wood reminded those present that at the Subdivision
Committee meeting the use mix was the primary concern of Planning
Staff since a specific list had not been provided and is required
by ordinance.
The use mix that staff offers as an appropriate mix for a mixed
office/commercial area on the land use plan would be
approximately 50/50 that being 50% office and 50% retail. Wood
identified the office as being those uses that are permitted in
the 0-3 Office District not limited to general or professional
office space, but those activities specifically listed. The
remaining 50% would be retail uses as provided in one of the
several retail districts as the Commission deems appropriate.
The staff feels comfortable with C-1 or C-2.
After concluding remarks on this element of the recommendation,
Wood suggested that staff at this point would recommend denial of
the application without the presence of appropriate listing or
statement from the developer as to the use mix. Wood pointed out
several concerns that were contained in Mr. Willis' cover letter
indicating specifically the use mix there being 25% to 35% office
with no specifics. He also pointed out that this land area is
covered under the adopted Land Use Plan which calls for
office/commercial mix.
The Chairman then recognized Mr. Ed Willis, who was present
representing the application. Mr. Willis offered a general
overview of the project identifying first that this would be the
first retail project within The Ranch development. He
specifically pointed out this property as being part of the
retail sales element in the plan following certain modifications
that made provisions for the leisure arts construction on the
eastern portion of the project.
Mr. Willis pointed out that a number of uses that they were
looking at for occupancy fall within the office range or 0-3
listing. That is day care center, doctors offices and such as
that. He stated that there definitely would be a day care center
and perhaps a pharmacy. He indicated that in a future phase, the
second phase would perhaps be a clothing store and may be a
6
FILE Na.: Z-4343-1 (Cont.)
barber shop, but they really do not know what the final use mix
would be at this time. Mr. Willis pointed out the need for
personal service kinds of retail in the immediate area because of
the number of employees at adjacent business or offices that are
in place. The developing single family area and an apartment
complex which he is working on at this time, requires service.
Mr. Willis indicated that the staff's recommendation was somewhat
of a surprise. He was not aware that he was suppose to actually
develop a use mix by percentage. He stated that the project
certainly would have offices in it, but that would not be the
primary emphasis. Mr. Willis stated that there definitely would
not be a convenience store in this center and he could perhaps
list those kinds of uses that definitely would not be located
here.
In a response to a question from Commissioner Putnam, Mr. Willis
stated that they specifically were dealing with a pharmacy at
this time and a day care center. He said at this time he was
specifically dealing with a restaurant, a sit-down type.
Mr. Willis stated that on this first phase they definitely would
not be proceeding with construction of it until they had perhaps
13% to 15% of it preleased. Commissioner Putnam then posed a
question to Mr. Willis as to whether or not he had discussed this
with staff and whether he had a problem with the 50/50 mix that
had been offered. Mr. Willis -responded by a lengthy commentary
which generally stated that he did not. Willis stated he would
rather not be pinned down to specific numbers not knowing exactly
what the kinds of businesses would be that lease in this project.
Chairman Walker then suggested the possibility that Mr. Willis
look at the entire project not just phase one but look at the
entire project with a view to 50% office and commercial overall
buildings. At a later point, if it was determined that the mix
needed to be adjusted for a specific user that he could come back
to the Commission.
Commissioner Daniel, who is currently on the Subdivision
Committee, then offered a comment concerning discussion the
Subdivision Committee meeting. He pointed out that the other
commissioner, Mr. Ron woods, was present at the Subdivision
Committee but is not currently in this meeting. Commissioner
Daniels stated that it his perception that in the discussion at
the Subdivision Committee meeting, the Planning staff was rather
straight forward in the type of mix they were suggesting at that
time. Commissioner Daniel indicated that since the discussion
was lengthy during the course of the hearing at Subdivision
Committee, Mr. Willis may have left somewhat confused as to what
the staff and Committee were suggesting.
Commissioner Daniel then moved his comments to a concern that he
stated he observed on this plan relative to Mr. Willis' proposal
to put a day care center in a strip center. Prior to receiving a
7
FILE NO.: Z-4343-1 (Cont.)
response to his comment, Commissioner Daniel yielded the floor to
Deputy City Attorney Stephen Giles. Mr. Giles offered a comment
that it looked like this item was shaping up to be a land use
plan discussion item which is primarily a call by the Planning
Commission as to the appropriateness of this project.
Giles stated that the Commission should have clearly fixed in
their mind what the definition of mixed office commercial
consisted of in that it should be something given consideration
before forwarding this item on to the City Board of Directors.
Mr. Giles then proceeded to read the definition of mixed office
commercial from the planning district listing.
Richard Wood, of the Planning Staff, followed that commentary
with some additional clarification on the staff recommendation.
He stated that the staff's suggestion for 50/50 use mix related
to 50% 0-3 General Office and 50% as C-2 or C-1 retail type uses.
The product of that mix would produce less than 50% Office
because of the 0-3 District permits many uses that are not
general office but are product or service related. Wood pointed
out that Mr. Willis' offering produces a use mix that would
permit a convenient store on the use list with a site plan that
does not provide for drive through or pump islands.
In closing, Wood stated that the staff would be more comfortable
if the use mix was purely those permitted uses in the 0-3
district and those permitted by right in C-2 or C-1 with our
preference being C-1. The end product of that would be or could
be more than 50% of the gross floor area devoted to retail or
commercial activity.
Willis stated that he would be comfortable if the Planning
Commission determined that it desired'to remove some specific
uses from the use mix such as a convenience store. Mr. Willis
then addressed the site plan again identifying certain use
locations. He specifically identified Building "B" on the plan
as being partly devoted to a day care center on one end whereby
certain provision was made along the northwesterly corner of that
structure for outside play area for children.
Mr. Willis described the buildings that he is going to construct
as a residential design in character more or less having
something of the architecture of Kentucky racing stables. Mr.
Willis then identified the various structures in Phase I as to
the total square footage that would be*- devoted to each and some
potential users that might occupy those structures.
Mr. Willis offered a lengthy discussion of The Ranch commercial
properties, the overall frontage along Highway 10, C-2 zoning and
some trades that were accomplished in order to accommodate the
leisure arts building on the northeasterly quarter of the site.
He indicated that the parcel involved in this application was
part of the area that would absorb commercial losses from the
8
FILE NO.; Z -4343-I (Cont.)
area occupied later by leisure arts. He stated that over nine
years they had planned to do something in this area and that this
project was the first commercial project that his firm was
offering within The Ranch development.
Mr. Willis stated that the reason the developer was proposing to
place this commercial site in this area at this time was that
they had future plans for a larger and more significant
commercial development along the Highway 10 frontage and perhaps
a large office building. He stated that, simply put, what he is
trying to do here is to develop a commercial office project mix
that will be in keeping with The Ranch and compatible with the
neighborhood to provide service types of uses.
Chairman Walker then offered a lengthy commentary on what he
believed to be the circumstance at this point in the public
hearing as to what Mr. Willis' options were relative to the
various percentages and the options he saw were offered to
Mr. Willis. Chairman Walker concluded his comments by asking
Mr. Willis whether he was ready to make a selection as to the mix
or type of uses with perhaps some activities that would be
prohibited or would it be appropriate for the applicant to ask
for a two week deferral to reconsider the use mix.
A lengthy discussion then followed involving Mr. Willis, staff
and certain members of the Commission discussing what the staff
recommendation consisted of and the options available to Mr.
Willis. Staff clarified the plan element and the reason for the
requirement for a specific listing in PUD. Staff stated that
this is an ordinance requirement; therefore, that is the reason
they are remaining committed to obtaining some type of specific
use mix. Again, it was pointed out to Mr. Willis that although
50% of the gross floor area would be limited to 0-3 General
Office uses, that is a lengthy use group and most of the listed
activities are not office uses. It includes such things as
churches and day care centers.
The Chairman asked Wood, of the Planning Staff, whether staff
preference was C-2, C-1 or perhaps C-3. Wood indicated that
staff had a preference of C-2 or C-1; however, that was the
Commission's call.
After a lengthy discussion of the appropriate district for
selection as the 50% commercial or retail, it was determined that
the C-2 would be appropriate because the other adjacent
commercial properties are currently zoned C-2.
The Chairman then determined that there were no additional
questions or comments to be offered from the floor or from the
commissioners. The Chairman stated for the record the current
agreed upon application for PCD, that being, the site plan that
has been submitted and reviewed by staff. He also pointed out
that the use mix now as has been agreed upon would be 50% retail
9
FILE NO • Z -4343-I (Cont.)
or commercial based upon the permitted uses in the C-2 district
and that the balance or the other 50% of gross floor area would
be devoted to those uses permitted in 0-3 General Office.
The Chairman called for a vote on the application as it stands
before the Commission. The application was approved by a vote of
8 ayes, 0 nays and 3 absent.
10
August 8, 1'
ITEM NO FILE NO.: z-434 --I
NAME: SADDLE CREEK RETAIL CENTER -- LONG -FORM PLANNED
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
LgCATIaN: Approximately 0.2 mile north of Cantrell Rd.,
northwest - of - the present- end -of --Ranch -Dr.-,--at -the northwest
corner of the future intersection of Ranch Dr. and Chenonceau
Blvd., in "The Ranch".
DEVELOPER:
ENGINEER:
Ed Willis Joe White
FINANCIAL CENTRE CORPORATION WHITE-DATERS & ASSOCIATES, INC.
900 S. Shackleford Rd. 401 S. victory St.
Little Rock, AR 72215 Little Rock, AR 72201
224-9600 374-1666
AREA: 9.176 ACRES NUMBER OF LOTS: 6 FT. NEW STREET: 780
ZONING: 0-2 PROPOSED USES: Retail Shops and Offices
PLANNING DISTRICT: 20
CENSUS TRACT: 42.05
VARIANCES RE ❑ESTER: A waiver is requested from the requirement
that on-site stormwater detention be provided.
STATEMENT OF PROPOSAL:
The applicant proposes a multiple building, mixed use, commercial
and office, "planned commercial development" which is to be
constructed in two phases over a minimum of two years. The
proposed uses are requested to be those as enumerated in the
listing of permitted uses for the C-2 zoning district, and, for
the first phase, the uses are planned to include restaurants, a
day care facility, physicians and dentists offices, hair styling
shops, a convenience store, a decorator shop, and a variety of
other retail shops. The first phase is to consist of the
construction of three buildings totaling 26,550 square feet of
floor space. Phase two will involve construction of three
additional buildings containing an additional 33,600 square feet.
The 'total project size, then, will be 60,150 square feet of
building area. As part of Phase I development, parking for 131
vehicles is planned; for Phase II, an additional 137 parking
spaces is planned. Total parking, then is 268 spaces. As part
of this project, Ranch Dr. will be extended from its present end,
westward from Ranch Blvd, to intersect with Chenonceau Blvd.
August 8, 1
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) _ FILE O.: Z -4343-I
Chenonceau Blvd. will be extended from Cantrell Rd. north to
beyond the subject development in conjunction with a 260 -unit
apartment project which is to lie to the west of Chenonceau
Blvd., and which was previously approved by the Planning
'Commission. " Phase- I -construction -is -anticipated --to-begin as
early as the fall of 1995, with Phase II construction beginning
in mid-1996, depending upon the pace of leasing of the buildings.
In conjunction with the "PCD" approval, a preliminary plat for
Lot 2, Tract F of The Ranch subdivision is proposed. This lot
encompasses the area of the proposed PCD.
A. PROPOSAL RE ❑EST:
Planning Commission review and Board of Directors approval
of a "PCDII for the Saddle Creek Retail Center is requested.
Planning Commission approval of a one -lot preliminary plat
is requested. A waiver of the requirement to provide on-
site stormwater detention is requested.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
The site is presently vacant, and is mostly cleared of
trees. The terrain is, for all practical purposes, level.
A drainage channel runs along the north boundary of the
site.
The current zoning of the site is 0-2. The 0-2 district
begins at Cantrell Rd., and extends northward to the north
boundary of the subject site. This 0-2 district extends
east and west from the proposed site. Beyond the site to
the north is R-2 zoned property, but abutting the site to
the northeast is the Arkansas Baptist High School, a
conditional use in the R-2 zoned area. To the northwest,
across where Chenonceau Blvd. is to run, is an MF -18 tract,
and is the location of the future apartment project
mentioned above.
C. ENGINEERING/UTILITY_ COMMENTS:
The Public Works staff comments that:
1) Sketch plan information providing floodplain
information should be provided prior to Planning
Commission action. APDC&E approval, along with a
proper grading and excavation permit, must be granted
before any work is begun.
2) The entrance drive from Chenonceau Blvd. must be
widened to 36 feet.
2
` August 8, 1 1
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 3 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -4343-I
3) Sidewalks must be constructed on both boundary streets.
Plans for the construction of Ranch Dr. to collector
street standards must be submitted.
4) Provide•-a�drainage -easement-for- the - large drainage way
on the North boundary. It is recommended that the
structures be held 25 feet, minimum, from the limits of
the water surface. The design and construction of this
open drainage for the flow of 3500 cfs will require
approval. The ditch may require concrete lining or
other erosion protection. It is recommended that this
large ditch be fenced for the protection of the public.
5) A stormwater detention analysis will be required. The
approved drainage system for Chenonceau Blvd. does not
allow for this site to discharge drainage over the curb
or into the inlets on Chenonceau Blvd. Discharge from
this site must be directly into the north drainage
ditch.
6) The entrance drives should have adjacent sidewalks
connecting to the public sidewalks.
Little Rock Municipal Water Works comments that on-site fire
protection will be required. Meters will be off public
water mains. An acreage charge of $150 per acre may apply.
Little Rock Wastewater Utility comments that a sewer main
extension, with easements, will be required.
Arkansas Power and Light Co. notes that easements will be
required.
Arkansas Louisiana Gas Co. approved the submittal without
comment.
Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. approved the submittal
without comment.
The Fire Department noted that, if the buildings are not to
be sprinklered, then the fire hydrants will need to be
relocated; then, with Phase II development, fire hydrants
will need to be added.
The Neighborhoods and Planning Site Plan Review specialist
comments that the areas set aside for buffers and
landscaping meet and exceed Ordinance requirements when
averaged out; however, portions of the proposed northern and
northeastern parking lots extend into the required buffer
areas. Curb and guttering, or another approved border, will
be required to protect landscaped areas from vehicular
3
August 8, 1'
SUBDIVI IQN
ITEM NO.: 3 Cont. FILENO.: Z-434 -I
traffic. A six foot high opaque screen, either a wooden
fence with its face side directed outward, or dense
evergreen plantings, will be required to screen this site
from the residential zoned properties to the north and
northeast :- Dumps -ter locations - must- ---be -shown -and must - be
screened on three sides with an eight foot high wood fence
or wall.
D. ISSUES/LEGAL/TECHNICAL/DESIGN:
The Planning staff comments that the proposed development is
located in the Pinnacle Planning District, and the adopted
plan designates the site to be developed for 11MOC", mixed
office and commercial development. The proposed development
needs to be a true mix of uses, or it should be an office
development. If it is a mix of office and commercial uses,
the proposed mix of uses should be specified and be the
subject of review. It is noted that the site abuts single-
family zoned property lying to the north, and care should be
taken in the siting of the development along the northern
boundary line.
Sec. 36-456 requires, in addition to the information
submitted, that contours on the site be provided; that a
schematic landscaping plan be included; that sidewalks which
meet Ordinance requirements be shown, or a waiver requested;
and, that watercourses, floodplains/floodways, or other
natural features be shown. The drainage ditch along the
north boundary of the site needs to be shown, and its
development needs to be addressed.
The rights-of-way for the Ranch Dr. and for Chenonceau Blvd.
are shown to be 60 feet; the proposed width of the street
sections are not shown.
Dimensions of driveways need to be furnished; e.g., the
dimensions for service drives at the rear of buildings.
Possible "blind" corners at the intersections of parking
lots need to be studied. Sufficient maneuvering and turn-
around space needs to be furnished for the service drives.
The drive-thru at the west end of the "B" building in Phase
I needs to be limited to uses which will not cause stacking
of vehicles, and thus obstruct the entrance drive onto
Chenonceau Blvd.
A detail of the project sign, shown at the Ranch Dr.-
Chenonceau Blvd. intersection, must be detailed.
Sec. 36-502(3) establishes the parking requirements for
general business and retail uses. In this section, 1
parking space for each 300 square feet of gross floor area
4
August 8, V
SUBDIVISION
.. ITEM NO.: (Q2nt. ) FILE NO, Z_ 4,343-I
per building is required, up to 10,000 square feet. From
10,001-20,000 square feet, 95% of this basic requirement is
specified. There are two 10,000 square foot buildings and
three 11,800 square foot buildings, with one 4,7850 square
foot building. --The ordinance -will --require- 203 parking
spaces; 268 are provided.
E. ANALYSIS•
There are a number of site layout issues which need to be
addressed, including concerns of the Public Works and
Neighborhoods and Planning staffs. There is information
required by Public Works which has not been furnished.
There are some landscaping and buffer issues to be resolved.
The primary concern, however, is the issue raised by the
Planning staff regarding the need to specify a use mix in
order to achieve a mixture of uses, or to limit the
development to office uses, and the concern about the
proximity of the development to residentially zoned property
to the north. This planning issue needs to be dealt with,
with the use mix established.
F. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the PCD, subject to an
acceptable use mix being proposed and approved, and subject
to the utility and staff comments being addressed.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (JULY 20, 1995)
Mr. Ed Willis, with Financial Centre Corporation, the developer,
and Mr. Joe White, with White-Daters & Associates, Inc., the
project engineering firm, were present. Staff outlined the
proposed development to the Subdivision Committee member present,
and reviewed with Misters Willis and White the staff comments
contained in the discussion outline. Mr. Willis was concerned
that he could not establish a use mix ratio, since, he said, the
use depends on the types of tenants who can be recruited. He
said that the uses could very well be totally retail and service
establishments. Staff reiterated that a mixture of uses was
required by the land use plan, and that some acceptable ratio of
office and commercial uses was essential for the proposed project
to be in conformance with the land use plan. The drive-thru at
the west end of the "B" building of Phase I was discussed. Mr.
Willis indicated that the drive-thru would probably be a cleaners
pick-up window, or some other type of low traffic generator. He
said that he would agree to limit the tenant for this space to
some acceptable user. The need for turning and maneuvering space
at the rear of the buildings, especially the "B" building where
the drive is not a thru drive, was discussed. Mr. White
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August 8, 15
SQHDIVISI N
IT n FILE O • Z-4343-1
responded that the required space would be provided. David
Scherer, with the Public Works staff, discussed the various
Public Works concerns, and Mr. White said that the issues would
be addressed. The Committee forwarded the item to the full
Commission for the public hearing.
PLANNING COM.+'iISSION ACTION: (AUGUST 8, 1995)
The Chairman, Mr. Walker, introduced this item for public hearing
and requested that staff offer its recommendation. Richard wood,
of the Planning Staff, introduced the recommendation by stating
that staff was in receipt of a revised site plan resolving most
of the issues that had been previously presented to the developer
at Subdivision Committee.
Wood reported that the few remaining design items to be resolved
could be handled at staff level between the Planning office and
Public Works. The remaining overriding issue remains the use
mix. Wood reminded those present that at the Subdivision
Committee meeting the use mix was the primary concern of Planning
Staff since a specific list had not been provided and is required
by ordinance.
The use mix that staff offers as an appropriate mix for a mixed
office/commercial area on the land use plan would be
approximately 50/50 that being 50% office and 50% retail. Wood
identified the office as being those uses that are permitted in
the 0-3 Office District not limited to general or professional
office space, but those activities specifically listed. The
remaining 50% would be retail uses as provided in one of the
several retail districts as the Commission deems appropriate.
The staff feels comfortable with C-1 or C-2.
After concluding remarks on this element of the recommendation,
wood suggested that staff at this point would recommend denial of
the application without the presence of appropriate listing or
statement from the developer as to the use mix. Wood pointed out
several concerns that were contained in Mr. Willis' cover letter
indicating specifically the use mix there being 25% to 35% office
with no specifics. He also pointed out that this land area is
covered under the adopted Land Use Plan which calls for
office/commercial mix.
The Chairman then recognized Mr. Ed Willis, who was present
representing the application. Mr. Willis offered a general
overview of the project identifying first that this would be the
first retail project within The Ranch development. He
specifically pointed out this property as being part of the
retail sales element in the plan following certain modifications
6
August 8, 1'
SpBDIVI�I_O
ITEM NO,; 3 (Cont.) FILE NQ.: Z -4343-I
that made provisions for the leisure arts construction on the
eastern portion of the project.
Mr. Willis pointed out that a number of uses that they were
looking at for occupancy fall within the office range or 0-3
listing. That is day care center, doctors offices and such as
that. He stated that there definitely would be a day care center
and perhaps a pharmacy. He indicated that in a future phase, the
second phase would perhaps be a clothing store and may be a
barber shop, but they really do not know what the final use mix
would be at this time. Mr. Willis pointed out the need for
personal service kinds of retail in the immediate area because of
the number of employees at adjacent business or offices that are
in place. The developing single family area and an apartment
complex which he is working on at this time, requires service.
Mr. Willis indicated that the staff's recommendation was somewhat
of a surprise. He was not aware that he was suppose to actually
develop a use mix by percentage. He stated that the project
certainly would have offices in it, but that would not be the
primary emphasis. Mr. Willis stated that there definitely would
not be a convenience store in this center and he could perhaps
list those kinds of uses that definitely would not be located
here.
In a response to a question from Commissioner Putnam, Mr. Willis
stated that they specifically were dealing with a pharmacy at
this time and a day care center. He said at this time he was
specifically dealing with a restaurant, a sit-down type.
Mr. Willis stated that on this first phase they definitely would
not be proceeding with construction of it until they had perhaps
13% to 15% of it preleased. Commissioner Putnam then posed a
question to Mr. Willis as to whether or not he had discussed this
with staff and whether he had a problem with the 50/50 mix that
had been offered. Mr. Willis responded by a lengthy commentary
which generally stated that he did not. Willis stated he would
rather not be pinned down to specific numbers not knowing exactly
what the kinds of businesses would be that lease in this project.
Chairman Walker then suggested the possibility that Mr. Willis
look at the entire project not just phase one but look at the
entire project with a view to 50% office and commercial overall
buildings. At a later point, if it was determined that the mix
needed to be adjusted for a specific user that he could come back
to the Commission.
Commissioner Daniel, who is currently on the Subdivision
Committee, then offered a comment concerning discussion the
Subdivision Committee meeting. He pointed out that the other
commissioner, Mr. Ron Woods, was present at the Subdivision
Committee but is not currently in this meeting. Commissioner
7
August 8, 1
SaBDIVISTO
ITEM(Cont')FILE NO • 2--4 4 -I
Daniels stated that it his perception that in the discussion at
the Subdivision Committee meeting, the Planning staff was rather
straight forward in the type of mix they were suggesting at that
time. Commissioner Daniel indicated that since the discussion
was lengthy during the course of the hearing at Subdivision
Committee, Mr. Willis may have left somewhat confused as to what
the staff and Committee were suggesting.
Commissioner Daniel then moved his comments to a concern that he
stated he observed on this plan relative to Mr. Willis' proposal
to put a day care center in a strip center. Prior to receiving a
response to his comment, Commissioner Daniel yielded the floor to
Deputy City Attorney Stephen Giles. Mr. Giles offered a comment
that it looked like this item was shaping up to be a land use
plan discussion item which is primarily a call by the Planning
Commission as to the appropriateness of this project.
Giles stated that the Commission should have clearly fixed in
their mind what the definition of mixed office commercial
consisted of in that it should be something given consideration
before forwarding this item on to the City Board of Directors.
Mr. Giles then proceeded to read the definition of mixed office
commercial from the planning district listing.
Richard Wood, of the Planning Staff, followed that commentary
with some additional clarification on the staff recommendation.
He stated that the staff's suggestion for 50/50 use mix related
to 50% 0-3 General Office and 50% as C-2 or C-1 retail type uses.
The product of that mix would produce less than 50% Office
because of the 0-3 District permits many uses that are not
general office but are product or service related. Wood pointed
out that Mr. Willis' offering produces a use mix that would
permit a convenient store on the use list with a site plan that
does not provide for drive through or pump islands.
In closing, Wood stated that the staff would be more comfortable
if the use mix was purely those permitted uses in the 0-3
district and those permitted by right in C-2 or C-1 with our
preference being C-1. The end product of that would be or could
be more than 50% of the gross floor area devoted to retail or
commercial activity.
Willis stated that he would be comfortable if the Planning
Commission determined that it desired to remove some specific
uses from the use mix such as a convenience store. Mr. Willis
then addressed the site plan again identifying certain use
locations. He specifically identified Building "B" on the plan
as being partly devoted to a day care center on one end whereby
certain provision was made along the northwesterly corner of that
structure for outside play area for children.
8
August 8, 1
BDIVI I
ITEM NO.:(Cont.)FILE N Z-4343-1
Mr. Willis described the buildings that he is going to construct
as a residential design in character more or less having
something of the architecture of Kentucky racing stables. Mr.
Willis then identified the various structures in Phase I as to
the total square footage that would be devoted to each and some
potential users that might occupy those structures.
Mr. Willis offered a lengthy discussion of The Ranch commercial
properties, the overall frontage along Highway 10, C-2 zoning and
some trades that were accomplished in order to accommodate the
leisure arts building on the northeasterly quarter of the site.
He indicated that the parcel involved in this application was
part of the area that would absorb commercial losses from the
area occupied later by leisure arts. He stated that over nine
years they had planned to do something in this area and that this
project was the first commercial project that his firm was
offering within The Ranch development.
Mr. Willis stated that the reason the developer was proposing to
place this commercial site in this area at this time was that
they had future plans for a larger and more significant
commercial development along the Highway 10 frontage and perhaps
a large office building. He stated that, simply put, what he is
trying to do here is to develop a commercial office project mix
that will be in keeping with The Ranch and compatible with the
neighborhood to provide service types of uses.
Chairman Walker then offered a lengthy commentary on what he
believed to be the circumstance at this point in the public
hearing as to what Mr. Willis' options were relative to the
various percentages and the options he saw were offered to
Mr. Willis. Chairman Walker concluded his comments by asking
Mr. Willis whether he was ready to make a selection as to the mix
or type of uses with perhaps some activities that would be
prohibited or would it be appropriate for the applicant to ask
for a two week deferral to reconsider the use mix.
A lengthy discussion then followed involving Mr. Willis, staff
and certain members of the Commission discussing what the staff
recommendation consisted of and the options available to Mr.
Willis. Staff clarified the plan element and the reason for the
requirement for a specific listing in PUD. Staff stated that
this is an ordinance requirement; therefore, that is the reason
they are remaining committed to obtaining some type of specific
use mix. Again, it was pointed out to Mr. Willis that although
50% of the gross floor area would be limited to 0-3 General
Office uses, that is a lengthy use group and most of the listed
activities are not office uses. It includes such things as
churches and day care centers.
9
August 8, lr��
■ : ■ I.. -M*1+1
ITEM NO,; 3 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -4343=I
The Chairman asked Wood, of the Planning Staff, whether staff
preference was C-2, C-1 or perhaps C-3. Wood indicated that
staff had a preference of C-2 or C-1; however, that was the
Commission's call.
After a lengthy discussion of the appropriate district for
selection as the 50% commercial or retail, it was determined that
the C-2 would be appropriate because the other adjacent
commercial properties are currently zoned C-2.
The Chairman then determined that there were no additional
questions or comments to be offered from the floor or from the
commissioners. The Chairman stated for the record the current
agreed upon application for PCD, that being, the site plan that
has been submitted and reviewed by staff. He also pointed out
that the use mix now as has been agreed upon would be 50% retail
or commercial based upon the permitted uses in the C-2 district
and that the balance or the other 50% of gross floor area would
be devoted to those uses permitted in 0-3 General Office.
The Chairman called for a vote on the application as it stands
before the Commission. The application was approved by a vote of
8 ayes, 0 nays and 3 absent.
10