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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-5878 Staff AnalysisSeptember 20, 1994 ITEM NO.: 7 FILE NO_: Z-5878 NAME: LOCATION: OWNER APPLICANT: PROPOSAL: ORDINANCE DESIGN STANDARDS: 1. Site Location Fletcher Branch Library - Conditional Use Permit 5805 "H" Street Central Arkansas Library System by Bobby Roberts A conditional use permit is requested to allow for the construction of a new building for the Fletcher Branch Library on this R-3 zoned property. The existing building is to be razed and a parking lot constructed in its place. The parking lot property is zoned O-3. The existing library is located at the southeast corner of "H" Street and Buchanan Street, two blocks east of University Avenue. The proposed new building is to be located directly behind the existing library, on the southwest corner of "H" Street and Pierce Street. 2. Compatibility with Neighborhood The library has existed at this location for many years. The property is located at the edge of a large residential neighborhood. Other uses in the area include a school and a variety of office uses. The library's entrance and parking lot are oriented away from the residential neighborhood. With attention give5n to screening the adjacent residential properties, this new building should be compatible with the neighborhood. 3. On- i e Drives and Parkincr The new 13,000 square foot library requires 33 on-site parking spaces. The applicant proposes to provide 45 spaces including 2 handicapped spaces. September 20, 1994 ITEM NO.: 7 (Continued) FILENP.: Z-5878 4. Screening and Buffers Compliance with the City's Landscape and Buffer Ordinances is required. Attention must be given to screening the residences adjacent to the south of the proposed library and parking lot. 5. City Engineer Comments Close the alley where adjacent to library property. Stormwater detention as well as a grading and drainage plan are required prior to issuance of a building permit. 6. Utility Comment No comments 7. Analysis The Central Arkansas Library System proposes to construct a new building to replace the existing Fletcher Branch Library. This is to be accomplished by removing the three residential structures located on the east half of the block directly behind the existing library. The new building will be constructed on this R-3 zoned property. Once the new building is finished, the existing building will be removed and the parking lot expanded in its place. The new parking lot and building entrance are oriented toward the north and west, away from the residential neighborhood. The Fletcher Branch Library has been an important part of this neighborhood for many years and should continue as such once this new structure is complete. 8. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends approval subject to compliance with the City's Landscape and Buffer Ordinances and compliance with the City Engineer Comments. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (AUGUST 18, 1994) Rick Redden was present representing the applicant. Staff presented the item and noted the Landscape and City Engineer Comments. K September 20, 1994 ITEM NO.• 7 in FILE NO.: Z-5878 A brief discussion then followed concerning the proposed dumpster location and its impact on the residence adjacent to the south. The applicant was advised to increase the screening to 8 feet and to provide additional landscape materials to help buffer this area. The applicant was also told to provide the hours for trash collection, with an emphasis on limiting the hours to an appropriate time considering the proximity of the adjacent residence. The Committee determined there were no other outstanding issues and forwarded the item to the full Commission for final resolution. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (SEPTEMBER 20, 1994) Rick Redden and Bobby Roberts were present representing the Central Arkansas Library System. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item and informed the Commission that a revised site plan had been submitted which placed additional screening around the dumpster, including an 8 foot tall fence and additional landscaping. The hours for the pickup of the dumpster have been set as between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Ruth Bell, of the League of Women Voters, asked about lighting of the parking lot. Mr. Redden responded that the lighting would be low-level (161) and directional, aimed away from adjacent residences. After a brief discussion, the item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved with a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. K]