HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-5798 Staff Analysis1.
Meeting Date: April 19, 1994
2.
Case No.: Z-5709
3.
Rea-uest: Appeal
of the Planning
Commission recommendation
of denial for the
establishment
of BARROW MINI -STORAGE
SHORT -FORM PCD
4.
Location: On the
west side of
John Barrow Road,
approximately 300
feet south of
Labette Drive
5.
Owner/Applicant:
Kelton Brown,
Sr./Tom Kemp and Associates,
Inc.
6. Existing Status: vacant; Zoned 0-3, General Office
District, and MF -12, Multi -Family District
7. Proposed Use: Mini -Storage Development
8. Staff Recommendation: Denial
9. Planning Commission ReaommendatDenial
10. Conditions or Issues Remaining to be Resolved: Amendment of
the Land Use Plan
11. Right -of -Way Issues: None
12. Recommendation Forwarded With: The vote to recommend
approval of the PCD failed with the vote of 4 ayes, 7 nays,
0 absent, and 0 abstentions
13. Ob-iectors: Mary Reichstadt
14. Neiahborhood Plan: I-430 (11)
FILE NO.: Z-57
NAME: BARROW MINI -STORAGE -- SHORT -FORM PLANNED COMMERCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
LOCATION: On the west side of John Barrow Rd., approximately 300
feet south of Labette Dr.
DEVELOPER:
ENGINEER:
TOM REMP & ASSOCIATES, INC. SAMUEL L. DAVIS
2323 N. Tyler St./P. O. Box 7572 S. DAVIS CONSULTING, INC.
Little Rock, AR 72217 5301 W. 8th. St.
663-6600 Little Rock, AR 72204
664-0324
AREA: 4.59 ACRES NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0
ZONING: O-3 & MF -12 PROPOSED USES: Mini -Storage Facility
PLANNING DISTRICT: 11
CENSUS TRACT: 24.04
VARIANCES REQUESTED: None
STATEMENT OF PROPOSAL:
The applicant proposes a PCD in order to develop a mini -storage
facility. Three phases are planned: the first phase to be built
is to be east of the creek which traverses the site; the second,
west of the creek and south of the "leg" which extends northward
towards Labette Dr.; then, the third phase would be that portion
of the tract which is north to Labette Dr. A total of 80,650
square feet of mini -storage building is proposed. The first
phase entails the construction of 5 buildings totaling 34,400:
square feet; the second, 5 buildings and 28,900 square feet; the
third, 3 buildings and 17,350 square feet. The first phase is
intended for immediate development, with the remaining phases to
follow as the market demand dictates. The buildings are to be
12 feet tall, metal frame buildings with standing seam metal
roofing; the exteriors are to be concrete, with exposed aggregate
concrete walls on the fronts of the buildings. Concrete drives
are proposed. A resident manager apartment and office totaling
1,200 square feet are to be attached to one of the buildings and
constructed in the first phase of construction. The landscape
areas will be provided, and lawns will be sodded; a lawn
sprinkler system is proposed. Security lighting and fencing will
be included.
A. PROPOSAL RE ❑EST:
Review by the Planning Commission and approval by the Board
of Directors is requested for a PCD for a mini -warehouse
facility. The proposed development is to occur in three
phases over a number of years, based on the market.
FILE NO.: Z-5709 (Continued)
Overall, the buildings are to occupy 81,850 square feet of
the site, or 41% of the land area. Drives are to occupy
another 41%. Landscaping, then, is 18% of the site. The
buildings exteriors are concrete, with exposed aggregate
concrete walls on the fronts of buildings. A resident
manager and an office will occupy a portion of one of the
buildings. The site will be fenced and lighted for
security. Access to the project will be from 7:00 A.M.
until 9:00 P.M., 365 days per year. No variances are
requested.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
The site is undeveloped and wooded. A creek runs across the
site from north to south. The terrain is rolling, with a 25
foot differential in topography, rising from east to west.
The existing zoning is 0-3 along the Barrow Rd. frontage and
MF -12 for the west one-half of the site. The remainder of
the MF -12 zone lies to the west and across Labette Dr. to
the north. An R-2 site abuts the site to the south. A POD
is immediately to the north of the tract. Across John
Barrow Rd. to the east is an undeveloped 0-1 district.
C. ENGINEERING/UTILITY COMMENTS:
The Stormwater Detention and Excavation Ordinances will
apply. As part of the approval of the preliminary plat, and
for a final plan and plat to be approved for Phase III,
dedication of the required right-of-way and construction of
Labette Dr. as required in the preliminary plat approval
must be accomplished.
Water Works reports that on-site fire protection will be
required.
Wastewater reports that.a sewer main relocation must be
approved by Wastewater, and must be completed prior to any
construction within the existing sewer main easement.
Arkansas Power and Light Co. and Southwestern Bell Telephone
Co: will require easements.
Arkansas Louisiana Gas Co. approved the submittal without
comment.
Landscape review indicates that the buffer width along
Barrow Rd. and the western perimeter should be 24 feet in
width in order to meet the full requirement. The buffer
widths along Labette Dr. and the southern perimeter should
be an average width of 16 feet. A 6 foot high opaque screen
will be required to screen business activity from the
residential properties to the south and west.
2
FILE NO.: Z-5709 (Continued)
D. ISSUES/LEGAL/TECHNICALIDESIGN:
Significant deficiencies exist in the submittal: 1) the
plans are incomplete and inaccurate in that they do not
provide the engineering to substantiate the planned work to
place the creek underground which traverses the site, and,
from verbal information received from the developer, the
plan is to build over the creek piping, yet an easement is
reflected on the drawing; 2)- the site plan is not based on
the survey/preliminary plat which has been submitted as part
of the preliminary plat submittal; 3) amended drawings
subsequent to the Subdivision Committee review have not been
submitted; 4) the required application information form has
not been completed; 5) the project narrative does not
address the type of lighting or signage; 6) a landscaping
plan has not been submitted; and, 7) a legal description of
the site has not been furnished.
The Planning staff reports that the proposed development is
in the I-430 District. The Land Use Plan reflects multi-
family uses for the area, and there have been no changes to
justify amendment to the Plan. The proposed use is in
conflict with the Land Use Plan.
E. ANALYSIS•
There are major deficiencies in the plans and documentation
which have been submitted. There is inadequate landscaping
and buffering from abutting residential districts. The
anticipated use is in conflict with the Land Use Plan.
F. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends denial of the request.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT:
(MARCH 3, 1994)
No one was present to present the application. Staff
the deficiencies outlined in the discussion outline.
Committee forwarded the request to the Commission fo
determination on .the appropriate course of action to
of the application being incomplete and the applicant
attending the Committee meeting to receive the staff
Committee comments.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
reviewed
The
r a
take in view
not
and
(MARCH 22, 1994)
Staff reported that neither the applicant nor his engineer had
been present for the Subdivision Committee meeting, but that the
01
FILE NO_: Z-5709 (Continued)
comments prepared for discussion at that meeting had been sent to
the project engineer. Mr. Sam Davis, the project engineer, has,
staff reported, been in contact with the Planning and the City
Engineering staff, and has amended the plans to conform to the
requirements outlined for the Subdivision Committee meeting.
Because the proposed use in conflict with the Land Use Plan,
staff recommends denial of the application.
Mr. Gene Eberle addressed the Commission, indicating that he was
representing Tom and E. Ray Kemp, who are the developers of the
proposed mini -storage facility. Mr. Eberle said that the tract
is undeveloped; that up until 20 years ago, the tract had been
used as a dairy farm, but since that time, the land had been
lying idle. The developers request approval to develop a mini -
storage facility, and intend to develop an attractive facility
which will be an enhancement to the neighborhood. The developers
have previously built such mini -storage facilities as The Space
Place, AAA Key Mini -Storage, and others. Mr. Eberle explained
that there had been no apartment construction in the area in the
past 10 years; that there is no market for multifamily
development in the area; and that the mini -storage facility would
be an asset to the neighborhood and benefit to the area
homeowners and apartment dwellers who need the extra storage
space.
Mr. Eberle showed a series of photographs to the Commission
members indicating the types of development in the area. He
suggested that the proposed development would have more eye
appeal than anything constructed in years, and would blend with
the new medical rental facility being completed on the adjacent
lot to the north. He reiterated that the development to the
north is a commercial development, and that the mini -storage use
would be of benefit to the residential uses in the area.
Mr. Doug Holmstrom, representing the developer -builder,
continued, saying that the proposed mini -storage facility would
have eye appeal; that the construction is tilt -up concrete with
stone impressions in the concrete to give the appearance of stone
facing; and, that the site would be well landscaped. He reported
that all deficiencies noted in the discussion outline for the
Subdivision Committee had been met; that the site plan had been
amended to provide the required landscape buffers. He indicated
that there might need to be an adjustment in the location of the
front driveway for proper separation between their drive and the
drive on the abutting property to the north, but that this
adjustment would be made if needed. He reported that the
proposed lighting is 175 watt mercury vapor lighting fixtures set
at 13'-6" height and at 90 foot intervals. The only sign on the
site is to be a back -lighted awing. He concluded that the
proposed use of the property would produce no noise, very little
traffic, be an asset to the area, and be a better use of the land
than vacant property is.
4
FILE NO.: Z-5709 Continued
Commissioner Woods asked for clarification on the zoning district
in which a mini -storage would normally be placed.
Staff responded that a mini -storage use is a conditional use in
C-3 zoning districts; and is a use by right in the C-4 district.
Commissioner Woods commented that the use was inappropriate for
the location. He observed that the other mini -storage facility
further to the north, towards I-630, has located offices at the
front of the facility, so that a passerby does not know that the
warehouses are there. He concluded that John Barrow Rd. is a
mostly residential thoroughfare, and warehouses facing the road
are not appropriate.
Chairperson Chachere complained about the amount of traffic on
John Barrow Rd., commenting that Parkview High School was a short
distance to the south of the proposed mini -storage facility, and,
as a result of existing traffic, there are many serious and fatal
accidents in the area.
Bill Henry, City Traffic Engineer, related that there is a
proposal to install a traffic signal at the intersection of John
Barrow Rd. and Morris Manor Dr. which should help in the control
of traffic.
Ms. Chachere continued that she was concerned about any increase
in traffic volume on John Barrow Rd.
Mr. Henry responded that the traffic volumes on John Barrow are
not to the volumes which would be expected on a 5 -lane arterial.
He observed that the proposed development is 500 feet away from
the Parkview High School access drives; that there is no sight
distance problem at the proposed drive location; and, traffic
leaving the proposed development can pull onto John Barrow Rd.
without difficulty.
Commissioner Nicholson commented that the mini -storage use would
generate less traffic than either office or multi -family uses
would generate. She added that a debate on the appropriateness
of the land use was legitimate, but that the proposed mini -
storage use would not add to the traffic problem.
Commissioner Woods reiterated that the warehouse use was
inappropriate in the area which, he contends, would be in the
middle of a residential area.
Commissioner Walker responded that the mini -storage use provides
an "extra closet" for residential uses, and is an appropriate
accessory use in residential areas. Many people, he said, do not
have the room in their home or a garage to store the "junk" they
accumulate, and mini -storage facilities are amenities to
residential neighborhoods if they are developed and buffered
�I
FILE NO.: Z-5709 (Continued)
properly. The lighting needs to have the cut-off lenses to
restrict the blead-over light from affecting abutting properties.
He then asked about the status of the abutting properties; who
will be affected by the proposed development?
Mr. Holmstrom commented that the concrete tilt -up construction is
more substantial than the metal building construction commonly
used, and is not "banged -up" like the metal gets. He continued
that the land to the south is vacant; to the north is a new
medical rental office -warehouse facility; to the west there are
some apartments. The land to the west, he said, slopes upward
from the site, so the apartments are 20 feet above the mini -
storage site. People in the apartments, at least on the second
floor of the apartment building, would look down on the mini -
storage facility. He indicated that the slope transition between
the apartment site and the mini -storage site would be graded and
planted in trees and bushes.
Mr. Eberele added that the property immediately to the west is
vacant and wooded, but that the property located at the southwest
corner of the mini -storage tract is the property which has the
apartment development located on it, and that the apartment
complex is 2 blocks away and faces Morris Manor Dr.
Commissioner Walker commented that mini -storage facilities which
the Commission has previously approved, and which back up to
residential areas, have single -loaded bays along the perimeter of
the site so that the backs of the buildings form a buffer along
the property line.
Mr. Holmstrom responded that, in the proposed case, along the
side property line, the buildings are single -loaded, but that
along the rear, the ends of the buildings face the rear property
line. He indicated, though, that the developers would consider
making that change in the layout.
Mr. Walker continued his comment that if the layout were re -done
and there were a solid wall along the west property line, the
area between the wall and the property line could be heavily
landscaped. This would be a preferable design.
Mr. Holmstrom responded that the developer was interested in
locating the buffer and fencing to provide the best benefit to
the neighbors.
Commissioner Woods returned to the land use question, and said
that the mini -storage use is inappropriate; that the surrounding
area is residential, and a C-4 use is inappropriate.
Chairperson Oleson observed that the other mini -storage facility
on John Barrow Rd. has the offices at the front of the project
facing the road. She asked Commissioner Woods whether having the
FILE No.: Z-570 Continue
office use at the front of the project under consideration would
make a difference to him. Mr. Woods responded that it would be
Preferable.
Chairperson Oleson then called for a motion. A motion was made
and seconded to approve the PCD application. The motion failed
with the vote of 4 ayes, 7 nays, 0 absent, and 0 abstentions.
7
March 22, 1994
ITEM NO.: 12 FILE NO.: Z-5709
NAME: BARROW MINI -STORAGE -- SHORT -FORM PLANNED COMMERCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
LOCATION: On the west side of John Barrow Rd., approximately 300
feet south of Labette Dr.
DEVELOPER:
ENGINEER•
TOM KEMP & ASSOCIATES, INC. SAMUEL L. DAVIS
2323 N. Tyler St./P. O. Box 7572 S. DAVIS CONSULTING, INC.
Little Rock, AR 72217 5301 W. 8th. St.
663-6600 Little Rock, AR 72204
664-0324
AREA: 4.59 ACRES NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0
ZONING: O-3 & MF -12 PROPOSED USES: Mini -Storage Facility
PLANNING DISTRICT: 11
CENSUS TRACT: 24.04
VARIANCES REQUESTED: None
STATEMENT OF PROPOSAL:
The applicant proposes a PCD in order to develop a mini -storage
facility. Three phases are planned: the first phase to be built
is to be east of the creek which traverses the site; the second,
west of the creek and south of the "leg" which extends northward
towards Labette Dr.; then, the third phase would be that portion
of the tract which is north to Labette Dr. A total of 80,650
square feet of mini-storage.building is proposed. The first
phase entails the construction of 5 buildings totaling 34,400
square feet; the second, 5 buildings and 28,900 square feet; the
third, 3 buildings and 17,350 square feet. The first phase is
intended for immediate development, with the remaining phases to
follow as the market demand dictates. The buildings are to be
12 feet tall, metal frame buildings with standing seam metal
roofing; the exteriors are to be concrete, with exposed aggregate
concrete walls on the fronts of the buildings. Concrete drives
are proposed. A resident manager apartment and office totaling
1,200 square feet are to be attached to one of the buildings and
constructed in the first phase of construction. The landscape
areas will be provided, and lawns will be sodded; a lawn
sprinkler system is proposed. Security lighting and fencing will
be included.
March 22, 1994
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 12 (Continued) FILE NO.: _Z-5709
A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
Review by the Planning Commission and approval by the Board
of Directors is requested for a PCD for a mini -warehouse
facility. The proposed development is to occur in three
phases over a number of years, basqd on the market.
Overall, the buildings are to occupy 81,850 square feet of
the site, or 41% of the land area. Drives are to occupy
another 41%. Landscaping, then, is 18% of the site. The
buildings exteriors are concrete, with exposed aggregate
concrete walls on the fronts of buildings. A resident
manager and an office will occupy a portion of one of the
buildings. The site will be fenced and lighted for
security. Access to the project will be from 7:00 A.M.
until 9:00 P.M., 365 days per year. No variances are
requested.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
The site is undeveloped and wooded. A creek runs across the
site from north to south. The terrain is rolling, with a 25
foot differential in topography, rising from east to west.
The existing zoning is 0-3 along the Barrow Rd. frontage and
MF -12 for the west one-half of the site. The remainder of
the MF -12 zone lies to the west and across Labette Dr. to
the north. An R-2 site abuts the site to the south. A POD
is immediately to the north of the tract. Across John
Barrow Rd. to the east is an undeveloped 0-1 district.
C. ENGINEERINGIUTILITY COMMENTS:
The Stormwater Detention and Excavation Ordinances will
apply. As part of the approval of the preliminary plat, and
for a final plan and plat to be approved for Phase III,
dedication of the required right-of-way and construction of
Labette Dr. as required in the preliminary plat approval
must be accomplished.
Water Works reports that on-site fire protection will be
required.
Wastewater reports that a sewer main relocation must be
approved by Wastewater, and must be completed prior to any
construction within the existing sewer main easement.
Arkansas Power and Light Co. and Southwestern Bell Telephone
Co. will require easements.
Arkansas Louisiana Gas Co. approved the submittal without
comment.
2
March 22, 1994•
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 12_ (Continued) FILE NO.: Z-5709
Landscape review indicates that the buffer width along
Barrow Rd. and the western perimeter should be 24 feet in
width in order to meet the full requirement. The buffer
widths along Labette Dr. and the southern perimeter should
be an average width of 16 feet. A 6 foot high opaque screen
will be required to screen business, activity from the
residential properties to the south and west.
D. ISSUES/LEGALITECHNICAL/DESIGN:
Significant deficiencies exist in the submittal: 1Y the
plans are incomplete and inaccurate in that they do not
provide the engineering to substantiate the planned work to
place the creek underground which traverses the site, and,
from verbal information received from the developer, the
plan is to build over the creek piping, yet an easement is
reflected on the drawing; 2) the site plan is not based on
the survey/preliminary plat which has been submitted as part
of the preliminary plat submittal; 3) amended drawings
subsequent to the Subdivision Committee review have not been
submitted; 4) the required application information form has
not been completed; 5) the project narrative does not
address the type of lighting or signage; 6) a landscaping
plan has not been submitted; and, 7) a legal description of
the site has not been furnished.
The Planning staff reports that the proposed development is
in the I-430 District. The Land Use Plan reflects multi-
family uses for the area, and there have been no changes to
justify amendment to the Plan. The proposed use is in
conflict with the Land Use Plan.
E. ANALYSIS:
There are major deficiencies in the plans and documentation
which have been submitted. There is inadequate landscaping
and buffering from abutting residential districts. The
anticipated use is in conflict with the Land Use Plan.
F. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends denial of the request.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (MARCH 3, 1994)
No one was present to present the application. Staff reviewed
the deficiencies outlined in the discussion outline. The
Committee forwarded the request to the Commission for a
determination on the appropriate course of action to take in view
of the application being incomplete and the applicant not
3
March 22, 1994•
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO • 12 (Continued) FILE NO.: Z-570-9
attending the Committee meeting to receive the staff and
Committee comments.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MARCH 22, 1994)
Staff reported that neither the applicant nor his engineer had
been present for the Subdivision Committee meeting, but that the
comments prepared for discussion at that meeting had been sent to
the project engineer. Mr. Sam Davis, the project engineer, has,
staff reported, been in contact with the Planning and the City
Engineering staff, and has amended the plans to conform to the
requirements outlined for the Subdivision Committee meeting.
Because the proposed use in conflict with the Land Use Plan,
staff recommends denial of the application.
Mr. Gene Eberle addressed the Commission, indicating that he was
representing Tom and E. Ray Kemp, who are the developers of the
proposed mini -storage facility. Mr. Eberle said that the tract
is undeveloped; that up until 20 years ago, the tract had been
used as a dairy farm, but since that time, the land had been
lying idle. The developers request approval to develop a mini -
storage facility, and intend to develop an attractive facility
which will be an enhancement to the neighborhood. The developers
have previously built such mini -storage facilities as The Space
Place, AAA Key Mini -Storage, and others. Mr. Eberle explained
that there had been no apartment construction in the area in the
past 10 years; that there is no market for multifamily
development in the area; and that the mini -storage facility would
be an asset to the neighborhood and benefit to the area
homeowners and apartment dwellers who need the extra storage
space.
Mr. Eberle showed a series of photographs to the Commission
members indicating the types of development in the area. He
suggested that the proposed development would have more eye
appeal than anything constructed in years, and would blend with
the new medical rental facility being completed on the adjacent
lot to the north. He reiterated that the development to the
north is a commercial development, and that the mini -storage use
would be of benefit to the residential uses in the area.
Mr. Doug Holmstrom, representing the developer -builder,
continued, saying that the proposed mini -storage facility would
have eye appeal; that the construction is tilt -up concrete with
stone impressions in the concrete to give the appearance of stone
facing; and, that the site would be well landscaped. He reported
that all deficiencies noted in the discussion outline for the
Subdivision Committee had been met; that the site plan had been
4
March 22, 1994'
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO_: 12 Continued FIVE NO.: Z--5709
amended to provide the required landscape buffers. He indicated
that there might need to be an adjustment in the location of the
front driveway for proper separation between their drive and the
drive on the abutting property to the north, but that this
adjustment would be made if needed. He reported that the
proposed lighting is 175 watt mercury vapor lighting fixtures set
at 13'-6" height and at 90 foot intervals. The only sign on the
site is to be a back -lighted awing. He'concluded that the
proposed use of the property would produce no noise, very little
traffic, be an asset to the area, and be a better use of the land
than vacant property is.
Commissioner Woods asked for clarification on the zoning district
in which a mini -storage would normally be placed.
Staff responded that a mini -storage use is a conditional use in
C-3 zoning districts; and is a use by right in the C-4 district.
Commissioner Woods commented that the use was inappropriate for
the location. He observed that the other mini -storage facility
further to the north, towards I-630, has located offices at the
front of the facility, so that a passerby does not know that the
warehouses are there. He concluded that John Barrow Rd. is a
mostly residential thoroughfare, and warehouses facing the road
are not appropriate.
Chairperson Chachere complained about the amount of traffic on
John Barrow Rd., commenting that Parkview High School was a short
distance to the south of the proposed mini -storage facility, and,
as a result of existing traffic, there are many serious and fatal
accidents in the area.
Bill Henry, City Traffic Engineer, related that there is a
proposal to install a traffic signal at the intersection of John
Barrow Rd. and Morris Manor Dr. which should help in the control
of traffic.
Ms. Chachere continued that she was concerned about any increase
in traffic volume on John Barrow Rd.
Mr. Henry responded that the traffic volumes on John Barrow are
not to the volumes which would be expected on a 5 -lane arterial.
He observed that the proposed development is 500 feet away from
the Parkview High School access drives; that there is no sight
distance problem at the proposed drive location; and, traffic
leaving the proposed development can pull onto John Barrow Rd.
without difficulty.
Commissioner Nicholson commented that the mini -storage use would
generate less traffic than either office or multi -family uses
would generate. She added that a debate on the appropriateness
5
March 22, 1994
sysDIVISIO
ITEM NO.: 12 Continued FILE NO.: Z-5709
of the land use was legitimate, but that the proposed mini -
storage use would not add to the traffic problem.
Commissioner Woods reiterated that the warehouse use was
inappropriate in the area which, he contends, would be in the
middle of a residential area.
Commissioner Walker responded that the mini -storage use provides
an "extra closet" for residential uses, and is an appropriate
accessory use in residential areas. Many people, he said, do not
have the room in their home or a garage to store the "junk" they
accumulate, and mini -storage facilities are amenities to'
residential neighborhoods if they are developed and buffered
properly. The lighting needs to have the cut-off lenses to
restrict the blead-over light from affecting abutting properties.
He then asked about the status of the abutting properties; who
will be affected by the proposed development?
Mr. Holmstrom commented that the concrete tilt -up construction is
more substantial than the metal building construction commonly
used, and is not "banged -up" like the metal gets. He continued
that the land to the south is vacant; to the north is a new
medical rental office -warehouse facility; to the west there are
some apartments. The land to the west, he said, slopes upward
from the site, so the apartments are 20 feet above the mini -
storage site. People in the apartments, at least on the second
floor of the apartment building, would look down on the mini -
storage facility. He indicated that the slope transition between
the apartment site and the mini -storage site would be graded and
planted in trees and bushes.
Mr. Eberele added that the property immediately to the west is
vacant and wooded, but that the property located at the southwest
corner of the mini -storage tract is the property which has the
apartment development located on it, and that the apartment
complex is 2 blocks away and faces Morris Manor Dr.
Commissioner Walker commented that mini -storage facilities which
the Commission has previously approved, and which back up to
residential areas, have single -loaded bays along the perimeter of
the site so that the backs of the buildings form a buffer along
the property line.
Mr. Holmstrom responded that, in the proposed case, along the
side property line, the buildings are single -loaded, but that
along the rear, the ends of the buildings face the rear property
line. He indicated, though, that the developers would consider
making that change in the layout.
Mr. Walker continued his comment that if the layout were re -done
and there were a solid wall along the west property line, the
G
March 22, 1994
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 12 Continued FILE NC_: Z-5709
area between the wall and the property line could be heavily
landscaped. This would be a preferable design.
Mr. Holmstrom responded that the developer was interested in
locating the buffer and fencing to provide the best benefit to
the neighbors.
Commissioner Woods returned to the land use question, and said
that the mini -storage use is inappropriate; that the surrounding
area is residential, and a C-4 use is inappropriate.
Chairperson Oleson observed that the other mini -storage facility
on John Barrow Rd. has the offices at the front of the project
facing the road. She asked Commissioner Woods whether having the
office use at the front of the project under consideration would
make a difference to him. Mr. Woods responded that it would be
preferable.
Chairperson Oleson then called for a motion. A motion was made
and seconded to approve the PCD application. The motion failed
with the vote of 4 ayes, 7 nays, 0 absent, and 0 abstentions.
7