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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-5883 Staff AnalysisOctober 18, 1994 ITEM NO.: 11 _ FILE NO.: 2-5883 NAME: LOCATTO WNER APPLI ANT• PROPOSAL: QRDINANCE DRSIGN STAnARD$: 1. Site Location Arkansas Central Mortuary - Conditional Use Permit 1201 East 2nd Street Arkansas Central Mortuary Services, Inc. by Kenny Adams A conditional use permit is requested to allow the use of this existing, I-3 zoned building and property as a mortuary and crematorium. Crematoria are permitted only as a conditional use in the City of Little Rock. The site is located at the southeast corner of East 2nd Street and Industrial Drive. 2. Compatibility with Neighborhood The site is located in an area zoned exclusively I-3. Uses in the vicinity are all industrial. The nearest residential zoning or uses are located more than 1,000 feet to the east of this property. The proposed use is compatible with this industrially zoned area. 3. On -Site Drives and Parking The proposed use will not generate customer traffic. The site contains an existing, concrete parking area and loading dock which will meet the business's requirement for employee parking and deliveries. 4. Screening 4ndH ff z All adjacent properties are also zoned I-3. No expansion of the building or parking lot is proposed. No additional screening -or-buffering is. required. 5. City Enaineer Comments No comments October 18, 1994 BDTVISION ITEM NO.: 11 Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -SBS 6. Titility Comments No comments 7. Analysis In 1993, the City of Little Rock Code of Ordinances was amended to require crematoria to be permitted only as a conditional use within the City. This was done based on the perception that crematoria have a deleterious effect upon the adjacent neighborhood. This application is to place a mortuary and crematorium in the midst of a I-3 zoned area. The I-3 zoning is designed to accommodate potentially objectionable uses and locate them in an area where the negative influences have the least impact. The applicant proposes to utilize an existing, vacant building and proposes no expansion of the building or parking. The nearest residential property is located over 1,000 feet from this site and the proposed use should have no effect on the adjacent, industrially zoned neighborhood. Staff is supportive of the request. 8. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends approval of the application, as filed. ISUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (SEPTEMBER 29, 1994) The applicant, Kenny Adams, was present. Staff presented the item and showed a zoning map of the area, indicating all uses and zoning in the vicinity. The Committee determined that there were no outstanding issues and forwarded the item to the full Commission for final resolution. PLANNING MMI I ACTIO : (OCTOBER 18, 1994) The applicant, Kenny Adams, was present. There were two objectors present. Dana Carney, of the Planning staff, presented the item and a staff recommendation of approval. E October 18, 1994 SDBDIVI ION ITEM NO - 11 (Cont.) FILE Z-5883 Kenny Adams addressed the Commission. He stated that he currently operates a mortuary at 1514 Maryland Avenue and a crematorium in North Little Rock. Mr. Adams informed the Commission that it was his desire to combine both functions under one roof. Mr. Joe Larry Straw, of 700 Corning Avenue, addressed the Commission. He stated that he was not in opposition to the proposed mortuary but was concerned about the impact of the crematorium on the neighborhood's air quality. Robert Higgins, of 2007 East 4th Street, addressed the Commission in opposition to the proposed crematorium. He stated that he was concerned about a potential odor problem. Paul Rahill, of Industrial Equipment and Engineering Company, the manufacturer of the cremation equipment, addressed the Commission. He stated that the State Department of Pollution Control and Ecology had approved the proposed cremation equipment. Mr. Rahill continued by stating that Mr. Adams had purchased the highest quality equipment available. In response to a question from a commissioner, Mr. Rahill stated that no noise would be emitted from the facility. Chairman Chachere asked Mr. Rahill if he was familiar with the crematorium currently located on Bowman Road. Mr. Rahill responded that he was familiar with the equipment at that facility and the equipment purchased by Mr. Adams for use at the East 2nd Street location was superior. Commissioner Putnam asked if there was an odor problem associated with the use of this equipment. Mr. Rahill responded that there was not. He stated that the equipment exceeds all state and federal requirements. Commissioner Rahman asked if these facilities are reviewed by state or federal authorities. Mr. Rahill responded that the equipment would not be installed without a permit issued by the Department of Pollution Control and Ecology. Commissioner Rahman then asked if P.C. and E. continued to regulate the facility once it is installed. Mr. Adams responded that the permit must be renewed each year, requiring review by P.C. and E. He stated that P.C. and E. would respond to any complaints and may visit the site throughout the year. After a brief discussion of the zoning and uses in the immediate vicinity, a motion was made to approve the application. The motion was approved by a vote of 7 ayes, 2 noes and 2 absent. 3