HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-5948 Staff AnalysisFILE NO.: �-594$
NAME•
LOCATLON:
OWNER APPLICANT:
PROPOSAL:
ORDINANCE DESIGN STANDARDS:
1. Site LoCatiOn
Harris Bookstore - Conditional Use
Permit
6300 Scott Hamilton Road
Arlan Harris
A conditional use permit is
requested to allow the use of this
existing, I-2 zoned building and
property as an adult arcade and
adult bookstore.
The property is located on the west side of Scott Hamilton
Road, approximately 500 feet north of its intersection with
West 65th Street.
2. Com atibilit with Nei h}�arhood
The property is located within the West 65th Street
Industrial Park, a large area of industrial zoning and uses
located either side of West 65th Street.
This property is within an area identified to the federal
courts as being appropriate as a potential location for a
sexually oriented business in compliance with Ordinance No.
15,629.
3, On -Site Drives and Parkin
The property is fully developed and is currently being used
as a truck sales and service center. The applicant will
re -mark 21 parking spaces on a paved portion of the lot.
The parking will exceed ordinance requirements.
4. screening and Buffers
The site is zoned I-2 as is all adjacent property. There is
no buffer requirement.
Although not required by Ordinance, the applicant is
installing several areas of landscaping around the public
parking lot.
5. Cit En ineer Comments
Repair broken driveway apron.
FILE NO.: Z-5948 Cont.
This property lies in an area of shallow flooding with the
100 year depths of less than one foot.
The base flood elevation in this area is 257 NAD 1927.
6. utility and Fire De artment Comments
No comments
7. Sexuall Oriented Business Ordinance
Section 4 of Little Rock Ordinance No. 15,629 which
regulates the location of Sexually Oriented Businesses
states:
(1) A person commits an offense if he operates or causes to
be operated a sexually oriented business within 750
feet of:
(a) a church or other religious facility;
(b) a public or private elementary, secondary or post-
secondary school;
(c) a boundary of a residential zone (R-1, R-2, R-3,
R-4, MF -6, MF -12, MF -18, MF -24, R-5, R-6, R-7, HR,
MR, HDR or PRD) or any single family or multiple
family residential use;
(d) a public park;
(e) a hospital or other medical facility; or
(f) properties listed on the National Register of
Historical Places or local Historic Districts as
identified by in the Arkansas Historic
Preservation Program.
(2) A person commits an offense if he causes or permits the
operation, establishment, or maintenance of a sexually
oriented business within 750 feet of another sexually
oriented business.
The property in question complies with those guidelines
outlined above.
8. Staff Analysis
The applicant requests a conditional use permit to allow the
use of this existing I-2 zoned building and property as an
adult arcade and adult bookstore.
Little Rock Ordinance No. 15,629 defines adult arcade and
adult bookstore as the following:
2
FILE O.: Z-5948(Con t-
(1) Adult Arcade -- Any place to which the public is
permitted or invited wherein coin-operated or slug -
operated or electronically, electrically, or
mechanically controlled image -producing devices are
maintained to show images to five or fewer viewers at
one time, and where the images so displayed are
distinguished or characterized by the depicting or
describing of "SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES" or
"SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS".
(2) Adult Bookstore or Adult Video Store -- A commercial
establishment which, as one of its principal business
purposes, offers for sale or rental for any form of
consideration any one or more of the following:
(a) books, magazines, periodicals or other printed
matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures,
video cassettes, or video reproductions, slides or
other visual representations which depict or
describe "SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES" or
"SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS"; or
(b) instruments, devices, or paraphernalia which are
designed for use in connection with "SPECIFIED
SEXUAL ACTIVITIES."
That same ordinance regulates the location of such
businesses by defining a specific distance of separation
which these uses must maintain from several other uses (see
Section 7 above).
This property is within an area identified to the federal
court as being appropriate as a potential location for a
sexually oriented business in compliance with Ordinance No.
15,629.
Staff believes the proposed use to be appropriate for this
property and supports the application.
Staff would recommend that any signage be low key and of
muted colors and that there not be a "mural type" sign with
graphics, pictures or product advertising. In response to
that concern, Mr. Harris has proposed a ground mounted sign
4 feet by 8 feet in area and 18 feet in height; and a wall
sign, on the front wall of the building, 2 feet by 8 feet in
area.
9, Staff Recommendat ion
Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit
subject to the following conditions:
1. Compliance with the City Engineer's Comments
3
FILE NO.: Z-5848 Cont.
2. Landscaping being installed as proposed on the site
plan submitted by the applicant.
3. Signage being low key and of muted colors.
a. The ground mounted sign is to be 4 feet by 8 feet
in area and 18 feet in height.
b. The single wall sign to be 2 feet by 8 feet in
area.
C. There is not to be any "mural type" signage with
graphics, pictures or product advertising.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT:
(FEBRUARY 2, 1995)
The applicant, Arlan Harris, was present. Staff presented that
item and outlined the City Engineer and Signage Comments noted
above. Bob Brown, Plans Review Specialist, discussed the
proposed landscaping and stated that it exceeded ordinance
requirements.
After a brief discussion, the Committee determined that there
were no other outstanding issues and forwarded the item to the
full Commission.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
(FEBRUARY 21, 1995)
The applicant was present. There were several objectors present.
Staff informed the Commission that several telephone calls and
letters in opposition to the proposal had been received. Staff
presented the item and informed the Commission that there were no
outstanding issues.
Mr. Harris offered no additional comments at that point.
Frank Butler, of Strauss Distributing Company which owns property
in the area, spoke in opposition to the proposal. He stated that
the bookstore/arcade would generate vehicular traffic which would
affect truck traffic in the neighborhood.
Tom Brock, of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, addressed the
Commission in opposition to the item.
Bob Hardin, representing the property at 3700 West 55th Street,
spoke in opposition to the item. He stated that the proposed use
was incompatible with the neighborhood and would have a negative
impact on traffic coming to his business. Mr. Hardin concluded
by stating that new businesses are moving into the area and this
proposed use would be detrimental to the business climate of the
neighborhood.
4
FIL igont.
Paul Majors. of J and B Supply, addressed the Commission in
opposition to the item. He also stated that the proposed use
would generate traffic which would impact truck traffic in the
area. Mr. Majors concluded by stating that he also spoke for
Gerald Johnson, owner of the property at 6320 Scott Hamilton, who
is also opposed to the item.
Beverly Nelson, President of the Meadowcliff/Brookwood
Neighborhood Association spoke in opposition to the
bookstore/arcade.
verlene Williamson presented a petition in opposition to the item
signed by the members of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church.
(Staff did not receive a copy of the petition and, as such, it is
not in the file.)
In response to a request from Chairman Walker, Stephen Giles of
the City Attorney's office, spoke about the City's Ordinance
which regulates sexually oriented businesses. Mr. Giles stated
that constitutionally this use cannot be excluded just because
some persons find it offensive. The location of such uses, he
continued, can be regulated via land use regulations. Mr. Giles
concluded by stating that the Planning Commission must look at
Ordinance guidelines to determine whether to approve or deny the
conditional use permit; what goes on inside the business is a
constitutionally protected First Amendment right.
Mr. Harris then addressed the Commission. He presented a list of
video stores which he claims are renting the same videos which
will be available at this proposed business. Mr. Harris also
presented a petition signed by customers of his business in favor
of this proposed location. (Staff did not receive a copy of the
petition and, as such, it is not in the file.)
In response to a question from Chairman Walker, Mr. Harris stated
that there will be no access to his site from Dividend Street.
Chairman Walker asked Mr. Harris if he currently had a business
that was out of compliance with the City's Sexually Oriented
Business Ordinance. Mr. Harris responded that he did but that it
would close when this one was approved.
Chairman Walker asked why the location, which is out of
compliance, is still open. Mr. Harris responded that no one had
told him to close it. Mr. Giles stated he would review the
matter with the Zoning Enforcement staff.
A brief discussion then followed concerning the exact use of the
property. The use is as described in Little Rock Ordinance No.
15,629 as an adult arcade and adult bookstore or adult video
store.
5
FILE NO.: Z-5948 Cont.
In response to a question from the Commission, Dana Carney, of
the Planning Staff, described the proposed signage and
landscaping improvements.
Commissioner Willis asked if this site complied with all aspects
of the 750 foot separation outlined in the ordinance. Mr. Carney
responded that he had prepared a map showing the 750 foot
perimeter and made a site inspection to assure compliance.
After further discussion, Chairman Walker asked what the hours of
the business would be. Mr. Harris responded that the business
would be open 24 hours a day.
Commissioner Putnam asked if this site complies with Ordinance
Standards and is denied, will there be a lawsuit. Mr. Giles
responded that there would be a lawsuit, in his opinion.
Mr. Harris stated that the argument that this use will hurt
business in the area is unfounded. He gave an example of a
company which just recently made a large investment in a property
located within 750 feet of the adult arcade/bookstore at 65th and
Murray Streets.
Mr. Giles asked the Commissioners to consider what it was about
this use, other than its sexual nature, that they objected to.
Chairman Walker stated if it wasn't for the Ordinance that
relegates this use to this location, the application would not be
at the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Adcock stated that she had to consider the
businesses and residents already in place before allowing a new
use into an area.
In response to a question from the Commission, Bob Brown, Plans
Review Specialist, discussed the proposed landscaping plan for
the site.
After a brief discussion, the question was called and a vote
taken. The vote was 2 ayes, 4 noes, 3 absent and 2 abstaining
(Putnam, Woods).
Due to a lack of 6 votes either for or against the item, it was
automatically deferred to the April 4, 1995 Commission meeting.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT:
(MARCH 16, 1995)
The applicant, Arlan Harris, was present. Staff informed the
Committee that Mr. Harris had attempted to answer concerns raised
at the February 21, 1995 Planning Commission meeting by
eliminating access to the site from Dividend Street, adding an
additional 100 square feet of interior landscaping to fully
6
FILE NO.: Z-5948 Cont.
comply with the Landscape Ordinance and by limiting the hours of
operation to 16 hours a day.
Mr. Harris stated that the elimination of access to Dividend
Street should answer concerns about his customers' automobile
traffic interfering with truck traffic in the area. In response
to a question from the Committee, Mr. Harris stated that the
hours of operation were the same number of hours that the
business on the site is currently using. He stated that his
hours would be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (APRIL 4, 1995)
The applicant, Arlan Harris, was present. There were several
objectors present. Staff presented the item and informed the
Commission that the applicant had agreed to eliminate access to
Dividend Street, add an additional 100 square feet of interior
landscaping to fully comply with the Landscape Ordinance, and to
limit the hours of operation to 16 hours per day (10:00 a.m. to
2:00 a.m.).
At the request of Commissioner Putnam, Deputy City Attorney Steve
Giles gave a brief history of the Sexually Oriented Business
Ordinance. He stated that the proposed site complied with the
spacing requirements outlined in that Ordinance. Mr. Giles also
stated that the issue of compatibility with the neighborhood had
been resolved by virtue of the Board of Directors establishing
guidelines for the placement of such businesses within the
Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance.
Mr. Harris offered no additional comment at this point.
Tom Brock, of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, spoke in
opposition to the item.
Frank Butler also spoke against the proposed use.
Gerald Johnson addressed the Commission in opposition to the
item. He asked the Commission to impose the condition that there
is to be no live entertainment at this site. Mr. Johnson also
stated that he was concerned about the proposed hours of
operation.
Carroll Strickland, representing the Upper Baseline Road
Neighborhood Association, spoke in opposition to the item.
Jim Lawson, Director of the Department of Neighborhoods and
Planning, addressed the Commission. He recommended that the
Commission add the condition that this proposed location not be
allowed to open until Mr. Harris' other location, closer to the
Wakefield neighborhood, is closed.
7
FILE �o.: ti -5948 Cont.
Mr. Harris and his attorney, John Wesley Hall, addressed the
Commission and stated that the other location will be closed as
soon as this proposed site is opened.
Mr. Giles recommended that the Certificate of Occupancy be
withheld at this proposed location until the business at 4717
West 65th Street is brought into compliance with the Sexually
Oriented Business Ordinance. Mr. Hall agreed to that condition.
Commissioner Walker asked Mr. Harris if he would reconsider the
proposed hours of operation. Mr. Harris responded that he did
not wish to change the requested hours.
Commissioner Walker asked Mr. Harris if he would agree to the
condition that there not be any live entertainment at this
location. Mr. Harris responded that he would agree to that
condition.
Commissioner Adcock stated that she did not agree with the
requested hours of operation and wanted the business to reduce
the number of hours it would be open.
After discussion with Mr. Hall, Mr. Giles told the Commission
that the hours of operation of a sexually oriented business was
not presented as an issue in the federal courts. He cautioned
the Commission to look at the compatibility of the proposed hours
of operation with the hours of operation of the other businesses
in the area. He reminded the Commission that there had already
been testimony that there were 24 hour a day trucking operations
in the area.
After a further discussion, the question was called and a vote
taken. The vote was 7 ayes, 2 noes and 2 absent approving the
item as recommended by staff with these additional conditions
agreed to by the applicant:
1. There is to be no access to this site from Dividend Street.
2. Additional interior landscaping is to be added to the site
in addition to that proposed in the applicant's site plan.
3. The hours of operation are limited to 16 hours per day
(10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.).
4. There is to be no live entertainment at this site.
5. No certificate of Occupancy is to be issued for this site
until Mr. Harris' existing location at 4717 West 65th Street
is brought into compliance with the provisions of Little
Rock Ordinance No. 15,629 (the Sexually Oriented Business
Ordinance).
8
April 4, 1995
ITEM NO.: D FILE NO.• r7-rQA$
NAME•
LOCATIO�-
WNER APPLICANT:
PROPOSAL•
ORDINANCE DESIGN -STANDARDS:
1. Site Location
Harris Bookstore - Conditional Use
Permit
6300 Scott Hamilton Road
Arlan Harris
A conditional use permit is
requested to allow the use of this
existing, I-2 zoned building and
property as an adult arcade and
adult bookstore.
The property is located on the west side of Scott Hamilton
Road, approximately 500 feet north of its intersection with
West 65th Street.
2. Compatibility with Neicrhborhood
The property is located within the West 65th Street
Industrial Park, a large area of industrial zoning and uses
located either side of West 65th Street.
This property is within an area identified to the federal
courts as being appropriate as a potential location for a
sexually oriented business in compliance with Ordinance No.
15,629.
3. n -Site Drives and Parkin
The property is fully developed and is currently being used
as a truck sales and service center. The applicant will
re -mark 21 parking spaces on a paved portion of the lot.
The parking will exceed ordinance requirements.
4. Scrgening gnd B ff r
The site is zoned I-2 as is all adjacent property. There is
no buffer requirement.
Although not required by Ordinance, the applicant is
installing several areas of landscaping around the public
parking lot.
Arpil 4, 19'95
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: D (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-594$
5. City Engineer Comments
Repair broken driveway apron.
This property lies in an area of shallow flooding with the
100 year depths of less than one foot.
The base flood elevation in this area is 257 NAD 1927.
6, ❑blit and Fire De artment Comments
No comments
7. Sexuall-y Oriented Business Ordinance
Section 4 of Little Rock Ordinance No. 15,629 which
regulates the location of Sexually Oriented Businesses
states:
(1) A person commits an offense if he operates or causes to
be operated a sexually oriented business within 750
feet of:
(a) a church or other religious facility;
(b) a public or private elementary, secondary or post -
.secondary school;
(c) a boundary of a residential zone (R-1, R-2, R-3,
R-4, MF -6, MF -12, MF -18, MF -24, R-5, R-6, R-7, HR,
MR, HDR or PRD) or any single family or multiple
family residential use;
(d) a public park;
(e) a hospital or other medical facility; or
(f) properties listed on the National Register of
Historical Places or local Historic Districts as
identified by in the Arkansas Historic
Preservation Program.
(2) A person commits an offense if he causes or permits the
operation, establishment, or maintenance of a sexually
oriented business within 750 feet of another sexually
oriented business.
The property in question complies with those guidelines
outlined above.
K
•Arpil 4, 1995
SVBDIVI S ION
ITEM NO.: D Cont. FILE NO.. z-5948
8. Staff Anal szs
The applicant requests a conditional use permit to allow the
use of this existing I-2 zoned building and property as an
adult arcade and adult bookstore.
Little Rock Ordinance No. 15,629 defines adult arcade and
adult bookstore as the following:
(1) Adult Arcade -- Any place to which the public is
permitted or invited wherein coin-operated or slug -
operated or electronically, electrically, or
mechanically controlled image -producing devices are
maintained to show images to five or fewer viewers at
one time, and where the images so displayed are
distinguished or characterized by the depicting or
describing of "SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES" or
"SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS".
(2) Adult Bookstore or Adult Video Store -- A commercial
establishment which, as one of its principal business
purposes, offers for sale or rental for any form of
consideration any one or more of the following:
(a) books, magazines, periodicals or other printed
matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures,
'video cassettes, or video reproductions, slides or
other visual representations which depict or
describe "SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES" or
"SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS"; or
(b) instruments, devices, or paraphernalia which are
designed for use in connection with "SPECIFIED
SEXUAL ACTIVITIES."
That same ordinance regulates the location of such
businesses by defining a specific distance of separation
which these uses must maintain from several other uses (see
Section 7 above).
This property is within an area identified to the federal
court as being appropriate as a potential location for a
sexually oriented business in compliance with Ordinance No.
15,629.
Staff believes the proposed use to be appropriate for this
property and supports the application.
Staff would recommend that any signage be low key and of
muted colors and that there not be a "mural type" sign with
graphics, pictures or product advertising. In response to
3
IArpil 4, 1995
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: D Cont. FILE NO.: -5948
that concern, Mr. Harris has proposed a ground mounted sign
4 feet by 8 feet in area and 18 feet in height; and a wall
sign, on the front wall of the building, 2 feet by 8 feet in
area.
9. Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit
subject to the following conditions:
1. Compliance with the City Engineer's Comments
2. Landscaping being installed as proposed on the site
plan submitted by the applicant.
3. Signage being low key and of muted colors.
a. The ground mounted sign is to be 4 feet by 8 feet
in area and 18 feet in height.
b. The single wall sign to be 2 feet by 8 feet in
area.
C. There is not to be any "mural type" signage with
graphics, pictures or product advertising.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT:
(FEBRUARY 2, 1995)
The applicant,'Arlan Harris, was present. Staff presented that
item and outlined the City Engineer and Signage Comments noted
above. Bob Brown, Plans Review Specialist, discussed the
-proposed landscaping and stated that it exceeded ordinance
requirements.
After a brief discussion, the Committee determined that there
were no other outstanding issues and forwarded the item to the
full Commission.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
(FEBRUARY 21, 1995)
The applicant was present. There were several objectors present.
Staff informed the Commission that several telephone calls and
letters in opposition to the proposal had been received. Staff
presented the item and informed the Commission that there were no
outstanding issues.
Mr. Harris offered no additional comments at that point.
Frank Butler, of Strauss Distributing Company which owns property
in the area, spoke in opposition to the proposal. He stated that
the bookstore/arcade would generate vehicular traffic which would
affect truck traffic in the neighborhood.
4
Arpil 4, 1995
S BDIVISION
ITEM NO.: D(Cont.)FILE NO.: Z-5948
Tom Brock, of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, addressed the
Commission in opposition to the item.
Bob Hardin, representing the property at 3700 West 65th Street,
spoke in opposition to the item. He stated that the proposed use
was incompatible with the neighborhood and would have a negative
impact on traffic coming to his business. Mr. Hardin concluded
by stating that new businesses are moving into the area and this
proposed use would be detrimental to the business climate of the
neighborhood.
Paul Majors, of J and B Supply, addressed the Commission in
opposition to the item. He also stated that the proposed use
would generate traffic which would impact truck traffic in the
area. Mr. Majors concluded by stating that he also spoke for
Gerald Johnson, owner of the property at 6320 Scott Hamilton, who
is also opposed to the item.
Beverly Nelson, President of the Meadowcliff/Brookwood
Neighborhood Association spoke in opposition to the
bookstore/arcade.
Verlene Williamson presented a petition in opposition to the item
signed by the members of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church.
(Staff did not receive a copy of the petition and, as such, it is
not in the file.)
In response to a'request from Chairman Walker, Stephen Giles of
the City Attorney's Office, spoke about the City's Ordinance
-which regulates sexually oriented businesses. Mr. Giles stated
that constitutionally this use cannot be excluded just because
some persons find it offensive. The location of such uses, he
continued, can be regulated via land use regulations. Mr. Giles
concluded by stating that the Planning Commission must look at
Ordinance guidelines to determine whether to approve or deny the
conditional use permit; what goes on inside the business is a
constitutionally protected First Amendment right.
Mr. Harris then addressed the Commission. He presented a list of
video stores which he claims are renting the same videos which
will be available at this proposed business. Mr. Harris also
presented a petition signed by customers of his business in favor
of this proposed location. (Staff did not receive a copy of the
petition and, as such, it is not in the file.)
In response to a question from Chairman Walker, Mr. Harris stated
that there will be no access to his site from Dividend Street.
Chairman Walker asked Mr. Harris if he currently had a business
that was out of compliance with the City's Sexually Oriented
5
IArpil 4, 1995
SUBDIVISION
ITEM N D (Cont. 'TLE NO.: " r-rIA0
Business Ordinance. Mr. Harris responded that he did but that it
would close when this one was approved.
Chairman Walker asked why the location, which is out of
compliance, is still open. Mr. Harris responded that no one had
told him to close it. Mr. Giles stated he would review the
matter with the Zoning Enforcement staff.
A brief discussion then followed concerning the exact use of the
property. The use is as described in Little Rock Ordinance No.
15,629 as an adult arcade and adult bookstore or adult video
store.
In response to a question from the Commission, Dana Carney, of
the Planning Staff, described the proposed signage and
landscaping improvements.
Commissioner Willis asked if this site complied with all aspects
of the 750 foot separation outlined in the Ordinance. Mr. Carney
responded that he had prepared a map showing the 750 foot
perimeter and made a site inspection to assure compliance.
After further discussion, Chairman Walker asked what the hours of
the business would be. Mr. Harris responded that the business
would be open 24 hours a day.
Commissioner Putnam asked if this site complies with Ordinance
Standards and is denied, will there be a lawsuit. Mr. Giles
responded that there would be a lawsuit, in his opinion.
-Mr. Harris stated that the argument that this use will hurt
business in the area is unfounded. He gave an example of a
company which just recently made a large investment in a property
located within 750 feet of the adult arcade/bookstore at 65th and
Murray Streets.
Mr. Giles asked the Commissioners to consider what it was about
this use, other than its sexual nature, that they objected to.
Chairman Walker stated if it wasn't for the Ordinance that
relegates this use to this location, the application would not be
at the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Adcock stated that she had to consider the
businesses and residents already in place before allowing a new
use into an area.
In response to a question from the Commission, Bob Brown, Plans
Review Specialist, discussed the proposed landscaping plan for
the site.
6
Arpil 4, 1995
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: D Cont. FILE NO.: Z-5948
After a brief discussion, the question was called and a vote
taken. The vote was 2 ayes, 4 noes, 3 absent and 2 abstaining
(Putnam, woods).
Due to a lack of 6 votes either for or against the item, it was
automatically deferred to the April 4, 1995 Commission meeting.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (MARCH 16, 1995)
The applicant, Arlan Harris, was present. Staff informed the
Committee that Mr. Harris had attempted to answer concerns raised
at the February 21, 1995 Planning Commission meeting by
eliminating access to the site from Dividend Street, adding an
additional 100 square feet of interior landscaping to fully
comply with the Landscape Ordinance and by limiting the hours of
operation to 16 hours a day.
Mr. Harris stated that the elimination of access to Dividend
Street should answer concerns about his customers' automobile
traffic interfering with truck traffic in the area. In response
to a question from the Committee, Mr. Harris stated that the
hours of operation were the same number of hours that the
business on the site is currently using. He stated that his
hours would be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission.
PLANNING COMMI.S_SI -ACTION: (APRIL 4, 1995)
The applicant, Arlan Harris, was present. There were several
objectors present. Staff presented the item and informed the
Commission that the applicant had agreed to eliminate access to
Dividend Street, add an additional 100 square feet of interior
landscaping to fully comply with the Landscape Ordinance, and to
limit the hours of operation to 16 hours per day (10:00 a.m. to
2:00 a.m.).
At the request of Commissioner Putnam, Deputy City Attorney Steve
Giles gave a brief history of the Sexually Oriented Business
Ordinance. He stated that the proposed site complied with the
spacing requirements outlined in that Ordinance. Mr. Giles also
stated that the issue of compatibility with the neighborhood had
been resolved by virtue of the Board of Directors establishing
guidelines for the placement of such businesses within the
Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance.
Mr. Harris offered no additional comment at this point.
Tom Brock, of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, spoke in -
opposition to the item.
7
Arpil 4, 1995
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: D (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5948
Frank Butler also spoke against the proposed use.
Gerald Johnson addressed the Commission in opposition to the
item. He asked the Commission to impose the condition that there
is to be no live entertainment at this site. Mr. Johnson also
stated that he was concerned about the proposed hours of
operation.
Carroll Strickland, representing the Upper Baseline Road
Neighborhood Association, spoke in opposition to the item.
Jim Lawson, Director of the Department of Neighborhoods and
Planning, addressed the Commission. He recommended that the
Commission add the condition that this proposed location not be
allowed to open until Mr. Harris' other location, closer to the
Wakefield neighborhood, is closed.
Mr. Harris and his attorney, John Wesley Hall, addressed the
Commission and stated that the other location will be closed as
soon as this proposed site is opened.
Mr. Giles recommended that the Certificate of Occupancy be
withheld at this proposed location until the business at 4717
West 65th Street is brought into compliance with the Sexually
Oriented Business Ordinance. Mr. Hall agreed to that condition.
Commissioner Walker asked Mr. Harris if he would reconsider the
proposed hours of operation. Mr. Harris responded that he did
not wish to change the requested hours.
Commissioner Walker asked Mr. Harris if he would agree to the
condition that there not be any live entertainment at this
location. Mr. Harris responded that he would agree to that
condition.
Commissioner Adcock stated that she did not agree with the
requested hours of operation and wanted the business to reduce
the number of hours it would be open.
After discussion with Mr. Hall, Mr. Giles told the Commission
that the hours of operation of a sexually oriented business was
not presented as an issue in the federal courts. He cautioned
the Commission to look at the compatibility of the proposed hours
of operation with the hours of operation of the other businesses
in the area. He reminded the Commission that there had already
been testimony that there were 24 hour a day trucking operations
in the area.
After a further discussion, the question was called and a vote
taken. The vote was 7 ayes, 2 noes and 2 absent approving the
8
Arpil 4, 1995
SUBDIVISIO
ITEM NO.: D (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-5948
item as recommended by staff with these additional conditions
agreed to by the applicant:
1. There is to be no access to this site from Dividend Street.
2. Additional interior landscaping is to be added to the site
in addition to that proposed in the applicant's site plan.
3. The hours of operation are limited to 16 hours per day
(10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.).
4. There is to be no live entertainment at this site.
5_ No certificate of Occupancy is to be issued for this site
until Mr. Harris' existing location at 4717 West 65th Street
is brought into compliance with the provisions of Little
Rock Ordinance No. 15,629 (the Sexually Oriented Business
Ordinance).
01