HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-4546-B Staff AnalysisJUNE 26, 2006
ITEM NO.: 12
File No.: Z -4546-B
Owner:
Christ Episcopal Church
Applicant:
Mark Alderfer
Address:
509 Scott Street
Description: Lots 1-6, Block 29, Original City Of Little Rock
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the development provisions of
Section 36-342.1 to allow an addition with a reduced front setback.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Church
Proposed Use of Property: Church
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments
B. Landscape and Buffer Issues:
The new trees proposed need to be labeled, size and type. These trees will
also need to be irrigated. The trees should comply with the street tree for
Capitol Avenue.
A franchise agreement must be obtained for any work that is to occur in the
public right-of-way, contact John Barr at 371-4646.
C. Staff Analysis:
The UU zoned property at 509 Scott Street is occupied by a two-story rock
church building. The property is located at the southeast corner of Scott Street
and Capitol Avenue. The church building is located within the west half of the
block, with a paved alley along the east side of the church building. There is a
JUNE 26, 2006
ITEM NO.: 12 CON'T.
paved parking lot which serves the church on the south side of the church
building. The main entrances to the church building are located on its north
and west sides, near the northwest corner of the building.
The applicant proposing to construct a 50 foot tall bell tower at the northwest
corner of the church building, as noted on the attached site plan. The
proposed bell tower will have an area of 10 feet square. The bell tower will be
located 7.5 feet back from the north property line and 9 feet back from the west
property line. In conjunction with the bell tower construction, new landings and
steps will be constructed at both entrances near the northwest corner of the
building, also noted on the attached plan. The new landings will wrap around
the bell tower, be located several feet above grade and slightly closer to the
north and west property lines. New steps from the landings will extend down
to the existing sidewalk levels on the north and west sides of the building.
Additional landscaping and a prayer garden will also be part of the project.
Section 36-342.1 (f)(1) of the City's Zoning Ordinance requires a minimum
front building setback of 25 feet along Capitol Avenue, east of Scott Street. No
minimum rear or side setbacks are required. Therefore, the applicant is
requesting a variance to allow the bell tower and associated landings and
steps to have a reduced setback from the north (Capitol Avenue) property line.
Staff is supportive of the requested variance. The requested setback for the
proposed construction will not be out of character with other building setbacks
along Capitol Avenue. The proposed bell tower and landings/steps will not be
located closer to the north property line than the majority of the north wall of
the existing church building, much of which is located on the north property
line. Additionally, the small footprint of the bell tower and the fact that the
landing will be only 5.5 feet above the grade of the sidewalk will have a
minimal visual impact. Staff believes the requested setbacks will have no
adverse impact on the adjacent properties or the general area.
D. Staff Recommendatiom
Staff recommends approval of the requested setback variance, subject to a
building permit being obtained for all construction.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(JUNE 26, 2006)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item
and a recommendation of approval.
Staff informed the Board that the applicant had revised the application by moving the
proposed bell tower closer to the north and west property lines. Staff noted the
proposed bell tower would be 2'-3" from the north and west property lines.
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JUNE 26, 2006
NO.: 12 (CON'T,
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (CON'T.) (JUNE 26, 2006)
The applicant offered no additional comments.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved as recommended by staff
by a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 open position.
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