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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6497 Staff AnalysisJune 11, 1998 ITEM NO.:. -20 NAME• LOCATION• OWNER/APPLICANT: PROPOSAL: ORDINANCE DESIGN STANDARDS: 1. Site Location• FILE NO.: Z-6497 Centers for Youth and Families - Conditional Use Permit 10700 Facts Court Centers for Youth and Families/ Robert D. Ross To continue to use an existing single family residence zoned R-2 for a therapeutic group home for up to four female residents. This property is located on Facts Court off of Diamond Drive, south of Mabelvale Cutoff. 2. Comuatibility with Neighborhood: This property is located in a residential single family R-2 zoned area. No changes to the exterior are planned so this house will continue to blend in with the other houses. Since there are only four residents and one staff member, the number of people at the house will be similar to a good size family. The operation is not expected to be very noticeable, and therefore, not have a large impact on the neighborhood. The Yorkwood Neighborhood Association was notified of the public hearing. 3. on -Site Drives and Parking: The site has a normal residential single car driveway and carport which will not be changed. The residents are not allowed to have cars. The existing parking should be sufficient for the operation as described and would meet ordinance requirements for a single family residence. 4. Screening and Buffers: No issues. 5. Public Works Comments: No issues. June 11, 1998 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 20 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6497 6. Utility and Fire Department Comments: Water: No objection. Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected. Southwestern Bell: Approved as submitted. Arkla: Approved as submitted. Fire Department: Approved as submitted. CATA: The site is not located on a LATA bus route. 7. Staff Analysis: The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to continue operating a group care facility which provides a therapeutic group home setting for up to four female residents between the ages of 16 and 18. The group home has been operating at this location for 3 1/2 years. The residents are under the custody of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services. Residents attend local schools and are provided a structured living environment to help them develop independent living skills. The residents are supervised 24 hours/day, 7 days/week in shifts, but no staff member lives at the house. The residents receive individual and group counseling each week, sometimes at the home, sometimes at other locations. In reviewing this request the Commission must consider the Ordinance, Section 36-107 which states that "(12) Separation or spacing requirements for group care facilities or group homes will be determined by the planning commission so as not to adversely impact the surrounding properties and neighborhood. Issues to consider during review of a group care facility include: a. Total number of similar facilities located in the neighborhood. b. Spacing of existing similar facilities. C. Existing zoning and land use patterns. 2 June 11, 1998 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 20 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6497 d. The number of individuals and type of services being proposed. e. The availability of facilities providing like services. f. Provisions for readily accessible public or quasi -public transportation." Regarding these items, staff provides the following information: a. Based on available information, staff is not aware of any other group homes in this neighborhood. Item No. 21, Z-6498 concerns a proposed group hose to be located one mile to the NW, on Southwest Drive. b. N/A C. Surrounding area is zoned R-2, the land use pattern is residential, and the surrounding property consists of single family homes. d. Explained above. e. Based on available information, staff is not aware of other facilities providing like services in this area. f. This site is not directly on a CATA bus route, but an agency van is used to provide some transportation. The nearest CATA bus route is on Chicot Road which is about a 1/2 mile to the west. The residents ride a school bus to school. 8. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit subject to all vehicles parked at the site being parked on paved surfaces. 3 June 11, 1998 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 20 (Cont. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: FILE NO.: Z-6497 (MAY 21, 1998) Mr. Richard Hill and James Dendy were present representing the application. Staff gave a brief description of the proposal. Mr. Hill gave a brief description of the operation and how what they are doing fits within the definition of a group care facility. There being no issues, the Committee accepted the proposal and forwarded it to the full Commission for final resolution. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JUNE 11, 1998) The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Two persons were present in support of the item. Staff read into the record a letter of objection which had been received from Robert Padgett of 10611 Facts Court. Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval subject to all vehicles parked at the site being parked on paved surfaces. The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved as recommended by staff by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. 4