HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-5535-D Staff AnalysisOctober 7, 2010
ITEM NO.: 6 FILE NO.: Z -5535 -
NAME St. Michael's Episcopal Church Columbarium —
Conditional Use Permit
LOCATION: 12415 Cantrell Road
OWNER/APPLICANT: St. Michael's Episcopal Church
PROPOSAL: A conditional use permit is requested to allow for the
adoption of a col umbarium/player garden to this
existing, R-2 zoned church site.
1. SITE LOCATION:
The site is located on the south side of Cantrell Road, between Pleasant
Ridge and Sam Peck Road.
2. COMPATIBILITY WITH NEIGHBORHOOD:
The church has been at this site for several years. The properties along
this portion of Cantrell Road are zoned for and occupied a variety of uses;
including multifamily, office and commercial. A small lake is located at the
rear of the site, separating the church from the residential neighborhood to
the south. The addition of a small columbarium/prayer garden to the
church site should not affect the church's continued compatibility with the
area.
All owners of properties located within 200 feet of the site, all residents
within 300 feet who could be identified and the Piedmont Neighborhood
Association were notified of this request.
3. ON SITE DRIVES AND PARKING:
Access to the site is via a single driveway off of Cantrell Road. Existing
parking is located in front of and adjacent to the church building. Parking
requirements for churches are determined by the seating capacity of the
main worship area. No change is proposed to the church itself. The
proposed columbarium/prayer garden does not generate the need for
additional parking.
4. SCREENING AND BUFFERS:
No Comments.
October 7, 2010
ITEM NO.: 6(Cont.)FILE NO.: Z -5535-D
5. PUBLIC WORKS COMMENTS:
No Comments,
6. UTILITY FIRE DEPT. AND CATA COMMENTS.
Wastewater: Existing sewer main located in this area. Owner will be
responsible for any damage to existing sewer main during construction
process. No permanent structure will be allowed within the sewer
easement.
Entergy: No comments received.
Centerpoint Energy: No comments received.
AT&T (SBC): No comments received. '
Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of
request for water service must be met.
Contact Central Arkansas Water if larger and/or additional water meter(s)
are required. Additional fire hydrant(s) may be required. Contact the Fire
Department having jurisdiction to obtain information regarding the required
placement of the hydrant(s) and contact Central Arkansas Water
regarding procedures for installation of the hydrant(s).
Fire Department: Approved as submitted.
County Planning: No Comments.
CATA: The site is not located on a CATA bus route.
BDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (SEPTEMBER 16, 2010)
The applicants were present. Staff presented the item and noted additional
information was needed on the proposed columbarium/prayer garden. Staff also
asked for a lighting plan, if additional lighting was proposed. Utility Comments
were noted. The applicants were advised to respond to staff issues by
September 22, 2010. The Committee determined there were no other issues
and forwarded the item to the full Commission.
October 7, 2010
ITEM NO.: 6 Coni. FILE NO.: Z -5535-D
STAFF ANALYSIS:
St. Michael's Episcopal Church occupies the R-2 zoned property located at
12415 Cantrell Road. The church is requesting approval of a revision to their
conditional use permit to allow for development of a small columbariumlprayer
garden behind the church building, on the southwest section of the property.
The columbariumlprayer garden will consist of flagstone and concrete walks in a
garden setting that follow the existing contours of the land. Minimal grading will
be required to meet handicap accessible needs and requirements. The walks
will be located to preserve and enhance existing trees and foliage. Low voltage
"ground" lights will illuminate the walks when desired at night.
Ashes will be interred in 12 inch square, in -ground vaults that will line the garden
walks. Several prefabricated benches and natural stone sitting areas along the
walks will provide places for reflection and prayer.
The columbarium gardens will be located 30 feet west (at its closest point) of the
12 -foot sewer easement. No permanent structure will be located in the sewer
easement.
To staff's knowledge, there are no outstanding issues. The applicant responded
to issues raised at Subdivision Committee, as noted above. There is no bill of
assurance for this acreage tract.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the requested CUP subject to compliance with the
comments and conditions outlined in Section 6 of the agenda staff report.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (OCTOBER 7, 2010)
The applicant was present. There was one objector present. Staff presented the
item and a recommendation of approval as outlined in the "staff
recommendation" above.
Rev. Edwin Wills addressed the Commission and briefly described the proposal.
He stated he would reserve the balance of his time to respond to any issues
raised by the opposition.
Rich Cosgrove, of 14 Piedmont Cr., stated he owned 3.5 acres adjacent to the
church site. He stated there were persons crossing the church property to fish
3
October 7, 2010
ITEM NO.: 6 Cont. FILE NO.: 7-5535-D
in their private pond. He suggested the church install a fence along the rear of
their property to control access. He said he was no opposed to the proposed
columbarium but he did have concerns about a dock and amphitheater shown
on the plan.
Rev. Wills responded that the church was only doing the columbarium and garden.
He said the church had "sort of ignored its back yard" and the plan was drawn to
show potential future designs to improve the area. He said by improving the back
yard, unauthorized users might be discouraged from entering the area.
There was no further discussion. A motion was made to approve the application
subject to all staff comments and conditions. The motion was seconded and
approved by a vote of 11 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
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