HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6423 Staff AnalysisDecember 18, 1997
ITEM NO.• 20 FILE NO.: Z-6423
NAME: Helms - Conditional Use Permit
LOCATION: 620 Rock Street
OWNER APPLICANT: James and Tonya Helms
PROPOSAL: A conditional use permit is
requested to allow for the
operation of a law office
within a portion of the
existing residential structure
(four-plex). The property is
zoned HDR (High -Density
Residential).
ORDINANCE DESIGN STANDARDS:
1. Site Location:
The property is located on the west side of Rock
Street, between East 6th and East 7th Streets.
2. Compatibility with Neighborhood:
This general area is made up of a mixture of
residential and office uses (single-family and
multifamily residential, general/professional offices,
churches, etc.).
Utilizing a portion of this residential structure as a
law office, with the balance occupied as a residence,
should have no adverse effect on the general area.
The Downtown and MacArthur Park Neighborhood
Associations were notified of the public hearing.
3. On -Site Drives and Parkin :
Four (4) off-street parking spaces currently exist at
the rear of the building. Access to these parking
spaces is gained through the existing alley.
Seven (7) off-street parking spaces are required (five
(5) for the proposed office use and two (2) for the
single family use). The applicant is requesting a
variance from the ordinance off-street parking
requirement for three (3) parking spaces. There is
two-hour parking on both sides of Rock Street within
this block.
December 18, 1997
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 20 Cont. FILE NO.: Z-6423
4. Screening and Buffers:
No Comments.
5. Public Works Comments:
No issues.
6. Utility and Fire Department Comments:
No comments received.
7. Staff Analysis:
The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to
allow for the operation of a law office within the
existing residential structure at 620 Rock Street. The
property is zoned HDR (High -Density Residential).
Within the Central Little Rock Urban Renewal project
area, professional offices are a permitted conditional
use on properties zoned HDR.
The existing structure contains four residential
apartment units. The applicant proposes to use one of
the downstairs units for the law office initially,
eventually utilizing the entire first floor for the
office. The second floor will be a single-family
residence for the property owner. Typical office hours
will be from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through
Friday.
As part of the proposal, the property owner, Mike
Helms, has requested that the conditional use permit
(if approved) run with the property owner and not the
land. If Mr. Helms ever sells the property, the
conditional use permit would become null and void. Mr.
Helms is making this request to alleviate concerns of
one of the neighbors.
The applicant is proposing erection of one ground
mounted sign. This sign must be approved by the
MacArthur Park Historic District Commission.
Seven (7) off-street parking spaces are required for
the proposed use. There are four (4) existing parking
spaces on the site, taking access from the alley. The
applicant is requesting a variance for the remaining
three (3) spaces. The MacArthur Park Historic District
Commission has indicated support of this variance
request, due to the fact that they typically discourage
construction of new parking lots within the district.
2
December 18, 1997
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 20 Cont. FILE NO.: Z-6423
The applicant has stated that no exterior changes will
be made to the structure. The applicant should be
aware that any future changes to the exterior must be
approved by the MacArthur Park Historic District
Commission.
Given the mixture of residential and non-residential
uses in this immediate area, the conversion of part of
this structure to an office (with the balance occupied
as a residence) should have no adverse effect on the
neighborhood.
8. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit
subject to the following conditions:
1. The conditional use permit will run with the
property owner, Mr. Helms, and not the land. If
Mr. Helms sells the property or ceases to operate
his law office at this location, the conditional
use permit would become null and void. This
condition was offered by Mr. Helms.
2. Any new signage must be approved by the MacArthur
Park Historic District Commission.
3. There will be no exterior changes to the structure.
4. Staff recommends approval of the variance for
reduced number of parking spaces.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (NOVEMBER 20, 1997)
Mike Helms was present, representing the application. Staff
gave a brief description of the proposal.
Staff noted the required and existing parking for the site.
The variance from the off-street parking requirement was
briefly discussed. Staff noted that the MacArthur Park
Historic District Commission representative had indicated
approval of the parking variance.
Staff also noted that no new construction or exterior
changes to the structure are proposed.
After a brief discussion, the Committee accepted the
presentation and forwarded the issue to the full Commission
for final action.
3
December 18, 1997
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 20 Cont. FILE NO.: Z-5423
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (DECEMBER 18, 1997)
The Staff presented a positive recommendation on this
application, as there were no further issues for resolution.
There were no objectors to this matter.
The Chairman placed the item before the Commission for
inclusion within the Consent Agenda for approval as
recommended by staff. A motion to that effect was made.
The motion passed by a vote of 11 ayes and 0 nays.
4