HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6675-A Staff AnalysisJuly 30, 2001
Item No.: A
File No.: Z -6675-A
Owner: Dena Yancey Trujillo
Revocable Trust
Address: 5208 Kavanaugh Blvd.
Description: Lots 9 and 10, Block 25,
Newton's Addition
Zoned: c-3
Variance Re ested• Variances are requested from tht
parking provisions of Section
36-502, the development criteria
of Section 36-301 and the sign
provisions of Section 36-555.
Justification: The applicant's justification is
presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Two-story commercial building
Proposed Use of Proper Two-story commercial building, with
addition of outdoor "cafe"
Staff Reort:
A. Public Works Issues:
No issues.
B. Staff Analysis:
On May 24, 1999, the Board of Adjustment granted several
variances permitting the existing building at 5208 Kavanaugh
Blvd. to be expanded by the construction of a second floor.
The building square footage was increased from 3,725 square
feet to 8,121 square feet. The variance allowed the second
floor to maintain the west side yard setback of 4.11 feet
and to reduce the rear yard setback to 11 feet. Rear and
side yard setbacks of 15 feet and 25 feet respectively were
required for this site. A parking variance was approved,
allowing the site to have only 16 parking spaces. The code
required 27 spaces, based on general commercial occupancy
July 30, 2001
Item No.: A (Cont.)
requirement of one space per 300 square feet of gross floor
area.
At the time of the original approval, there were two primary
issues of concern that were raised by staff and addressed by
the Board. The properties adjacent to the north of the site
are occupied by single-family homes. Staff was concerned
that the effect of the reduced rear yard setback be
mitigated by reducing or eliminating any uses on the back
side of the commercial building that might impact the
residential properties. Consequently, the project was
approved subject to there being no doors or windows in the
rear of the second floor other than for a fire escape door
and a small window in the owner's office. Staff's conceFn
related to the parking variance was the possibility of a
restaurant occupying the site. The parking variance was
based on uses that require a parking ratio of 1/300 square
feet. Restaurants require triple that parking requirement;
1/100 square feet. Consequently, the Board imposed the
condition that there not be a restaurant in the building
without further application to and approval by the Board.
The applicant has begun operation of Cafe des Artistes, a
"wine cafe" and special event center on the property. The
business primarily involves use of a landscaped
patio/terrace located on the back side of the building. It
is described as a drop-in place to read a book, magazine or
newspaper, drink a cup of coffee, glass of tea, soft drink
or beer, taste wine and have a snack to eat. Most foods
will be catered in from other merchants such as bakeries,
delicatessens and outside caterers although some food will
be prepared on site. The patio/terrace will also be used
for special events such as wedding receptions and art
showings. A separate art gallery on the second floor of the
building will also be utilized for these special events as
needed. The applicant is requesting variances to allow use
of the outdoor patio/terrace area
and a portion of the second floor of the building for the
wine -cafe and special event center.
The applicant has also requested a sign variance but no
specifics were provided. As such, that issue cannot be
discussed by staff.
Staff does have concerns about the proposed wine-
cafe/special event center. Although the Board's previous
action specifically prohibited a "restaurant" within the
2
July 30, 2001
Item No.: A (Cont.)
building, it is clear that the intent was to allow only
those uses that have a parking requirement of one space per
300 square feet. The wine -cafe falls within the code
definitions of "eating place without drive-in service" or
"bar, lounge and tavern." The definitions of each are:
Eating place without drive-in service
means an establishment where food is
available to the general public primarily
for consumption within a structure on the
premises or which by design of physical
facilities or by type of service and
packaging permits or encourages the
purchase of prepared, ready -to -eat foods
intended for consumption off the premises,
and where the consumption of food in motor
vehicles on the premises is neither
permitted nor encouraged.
Bar, lounge or tavern means an
establishment, the primary activity of
which is the sale and consumption on the
premises of beer, wine or other alcoholic
beverages, and where any food service is
secondary to the sale of beer, wine or
other alcoholic beverages. This use may
include a facility for dancing.
The parking requirement for "restaurants (and similar
establishments serving food and beverages)" is one space for
each 100 square feet of gross floor area.
There is limited on -street parking available in the
immediate area without involving the nearby residential
streets. A complaint has been made by a neighborhood
resident that persons attending the site are parking on
Harrison and Newton Streets and a nearby residential alley.
The applicant has stated that two nearby banks have given
permission for use of their parking lots after hours. No
proof of any written/long-term agreement has been provided.
Aside from the issue of parking, the use of the outdoor
patio/terrace area is of considerable concern to staff.
Allowing activities such as those proposed by the applicant
to take place in the reduced rear yard area will no doubt
negatively impact the adjacent residential properties. It
is clear that the original variance was granted predicated
3
July 30, 2001
Item No.: A (Cont.)
upon there being no development or use in the rear of the
building that might affect the adjacent residences. The C-3
zoning district development criteria require all uses to
take place within the enclosed building.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends denial of the variances, as filed.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(JUNE 25, 2001)
Robert Robinson, Jr. and Dena Yancey were present representing
the item. There were several persons present, both in support,
and in opposition. Two letters of objection had been received
and forwarded to the Board. Staff presented the item and stated
that, as a result of continued negotiation with the applicant, a
compromise had been very nearly reached. Staff referred to a
letter dated June 21, 2001, from Mr. Robinson, in which he
outlined specific agreements regarding the operation of the wine
cafe and special event business. Staff stated that there were
only 2 points of disagreement; the use of the outside music and
the maximum number of people permitted on the terrace (wine
cafe). Staff recommended no outside music. Mr. Robinson
suggested no outside music audible beyond the premises. Staff
recommended a maximum of 75 persons on the terrace. Mr. Robinson
suggested a maximum of 150 person.
Mr. Robinson addressed the Board and made reference to points in
his letter. He emphasized that there would be no full service
kitchen. He stated Ms. Yancey had been using the terrace for
over a year and no complaints had been made. Mr. Robinson
reiterated Ms. Yancey's desire to have soft music on the terrace.
He stated Ms. Yancey was sensitive to the fact that the terrace
was adjacent to residential properties. He stated Ms. Yancey had
used good judgment in the past. Mr. Robinson asked the Board to
allow the use of soft, outside music. He stated the music would
cease if it results in complaints. Mr. Robinson stated his
request to have a maximum of 150 persons. He stated the Fire
Marshall's office had determined the area would accommodate more
than that, based on the number of exits. Mr. Robinson presented
photographs of the area. Mr. Robinson presented agreements from
two area banks allowing use of their parking lots, after bank
business hours.
Fred Gray asked how many seats were set-up for the wine cafe.
Mr. Robinson responded that as many as 70 seats could be set up.
4
July 30, 2001
Item No.: A (Cont.
Norm Floyd began to read point -by -point from Mr. Robinson's
letter, for the benefit of those present in objection. Dana
Carney, of the Planning Staff, gave those persons a copy of the
letter.
In response to a question from Fred Gray, Mr. Robinson stated
there was no grease trap because there is no cooking; there is no
stove or oven.
Fred Gray asked how many parking spaces were available at the two
banks. Mr. Robinson responded that approximately 22 spaces were
available.
w
During the ensuing discussion, it was determined that the patio
terrace area was approximately 1,000 square feet in area which
would require 10 parking spaces.
Beverly Wittenberg, of 5207 Stonewall, spoke in opposition. She
stated Ms. Yancey's terrace business had disrupted her use and
enjoyment of her own property. Ms. Wittenberg cited examples of
occasions when loud music and crowd noise from the terrace
negatively impacted her. Ms. Wittenberg stated the proposed use
seemed to be cloaked as a "ladies' tea room" when in fact it was
much more. Ms. Wittenberg stated the terrace was being marketed
as a place for dinners, not just a wine cafe. She asked how use
of the area could ever be monitored by the City, if it was
approved. Ms. Wittenberg stated there had been music on the
terrace area late at night. Fred Gray asked Ms. Wittenberg if
there was any level of activity on the terrace that she could
support. Ms. Wittenberg responded that it would have to be much
smaller than that proposed by Ms. Yancey.
Michael and Jennifer Selig, of 5219 Stonewall, spoke in
opposition. Ms. Selig voiced concerns about crowd noise,
particularly late at night. She stated she was about to have a
baby and the baby's room was located on the back side of her
house, closest to the terrace area. Ms. Selig made note of
several occasions when noise from the terrace disrupted her. She
asked if allowing use of the terrace would not impact her
property value. Ms. Selig stated that any use of the terrace
area should be limited to Monday -Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Cindy Harrell, of 5215 Stonewall, spoke in opposition. Ms.
Harrell stated that Ms. Yancey's contractor tore down a hedge row
that lined the rear of her property, thus eliminating some sound
barrier. Ms. Harrell stated she received only an apology for the
�1
July 30, 2001
Item No.: A (Cont.)
removal of the hedges, which were on her property. She stated
the dense hedgerow was replaced with sparse plantings of trees.
Ms. Harrell made reference to conditions imposed when the
original variances were granted. She stated the "fire escape"
stars at the rear of the building were being used on a regular
basis by persons going back and forth between the terrace and the
gallery on the second floor of the building. She stated all
other area business that have similar outdoor areas have those
areas on the front of the business; facing the street, not
adjacent to nearby residences. Ms. Harrell stated crowd noise
and music were audible beyond the fence and lighting from the
terrace "bleeds through" the fence into her yard.
Norm Floyd asked Mr. Robinson about the grill on the terrace..
Mr. Robinson responded that the grill could be used by terrace
users but it is not used on a daily basis.
Mr. Floyd commented that the issue seemed not to be necessarily
"what" but "how much."
Mr. Robinson stated that there would not be big crowds on the
terrace every day; that they would typically be on weekends after
7:00 p.m. or during the day when the cafe would be closed. He
reiterated that it was Ms. Yancey's desire to be a good neighbor.
He stated Ms. Yancey had worked with the neighbors and was
unaware that what she had done was a violation. He apologized if
there had been loud music in the past. Mr. Robinson "assured"
the Board that Ms. Yancey would operate her business so that it
would not distress the neighbors.
Norm Floyd asked if the Board could approve the use for a
specific length of time, with further Board review at that point.
Staff responded that the Board could do so.
Michael Selig stated that allowing any outdoor use would
negatively impact his family.
Anne Cockrill-Laser, of 5422 Hawthorne, stated she helped
Ms. Yancey at the cafe and had never heard a complaint from the
neighbors.
Connie Carberry, of 1810 N. McKinley, stated she also helped
Ms. Yancey. She stated there had been an occasion around
Memorial Day when the people who rented the terrace invited more
people than Ms. Yancey had expected, resulting in more crowd
noise. She stated the grill was used by employees and she had
never seen it used for the business.
6
July 30, 2001
Item No.: A (Cont.
Norm Floyd commented that it was easy to see why there was some
question about whether the use was a restaurant.
After the ensuing discussion about the possibility of calling the
question, a motion was made to approve the variances subject to
the agreements outlined in Mr. Robinson's June 21, 2001 letter
and the following additional conditions:
1.There is to be no outside music.
2. There is to be a maximum limit of 75 patrons at any event on
the terrace.
3. The approval is for a period of 1 year, after which the issue
is to be reviewed by the Board. 4 -
Beverly
Beverly Wittenberg again raised objections. Mr. Floyd stated
that the issue would be back before the Board for reconsideration
in one year; if it has been a problem, it will not continue.
The vote was 1 aye, 2 noes and 2 absent. Since the item failed
to receive 3 votes either for or against it, it was deferred to
the July 30, 2001 meeting.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(JULY 30, 2001)
Robert Robinson, Jr. and Dena Yancey were present representing
the application. There were several persons present, both in
support and in opposition. Numerous letters of support and of
objection had been received by staff and forwarded to the Board.
Staff presented the item. Chairman Ruck outlined the hearing
protocol; stating each side would have a total of 20 minutes for
comments and presentations.
Robert Robinson addressed the Board and stated he had supporters
present who wished to speak.
Ellen Gray, of Country Club Blvd., stated she felt the wine cafe
would be an asset to the neighborhood. She stated she had used
the facility in the fall of 2000 for an event that had about
50 persons in attendance. Ms. Gray asked for approval of the
variances.
Sterling Cockrill, of 4801 Crestwood, stated he had been a
resident of the Heights since 1925 and he felt the proposed use
was a positive addition to the neighborhood. Mr. Cockrill stated
7
July 30, 2001
Item No.: A (Cont.)
Ms. Yancey should control the number of people on the site and
should limit noise and hours of operation.
Mr. Robinson addressed the Board and presented a map with which
he showed the neighborhood to be a mixed-use area. He outlined
the use as previously described. Mr. Robinson made note of
several businesses in the general area that he felt had
similarities to the wine cafe; such as reduced parking and
outdoor dining. He specifically mentioned Cheers, Scallions,
U.S. Pizza and two banks. Mr. Robinson stated that the nearby
banks had authorized Ms. Yancey to use their parking lots when
the banks were not open. He showed photographs of the site and
the patio area. Mr. Robinson stated that the wine cafe was a
reasonable use that would have no more impact on the neighborhood
than the uses he had previously mentioned. As regards noise, Mr.
Robinson stated this was an established mixed use area, not a
rural, undeveloped area. Mr. Robinson surmised that the wine
cafe would not disrupt what "is already there." He made note of
the adjacent fire station. Mr. Robinson stated that the station
had responded to 509 fire alarms and 299 emergency alarms, at all
hours of the day and night, last year. He stated the fire
station created more noise than would emanate from the wine cafe.
Mr. Robinson noted that staff had recommended a maximum of 75
persons on the patio. He stated the applicant would reduce that
number to limit the maximum number of persons on the patio to 50.
He stated there would be no outdoor music. Mr. Robinson stated
Ms. Yancey had operated the wine cafe for over a year without any
complaints. He stated Ms. Yancey had apologized to her neighbors
for the couple of occasions when noise was generated by crowds on
the patio. He asked the Board to weigh the issues and to ask
themselves "what is fair?" Mr. Robinson stated the screening
fence and the reduced number of windows in the rear of Ms.
Yancey's building helped to mitigate the noise created by the
use. He stated the small grill was used occasionally but that
there would be no other cooking on the property.
Cindy Harrell, of 5215 Stonewall, asked if the hours of operation
were being reduced from what was initially proposed. Mr.
Robinson responded that they were not but that the issue was open
for discussion. Ms. Harrell acknowledged that the area was a
mixed use neighborhood. She stated Cheers had only 4 outdoor
tables and Scallions was open only 1 night a week. Ms. Harrell
stated the banks closed early in the evening. She stated all the
uses listed by Mr. Robinson were not adjacent to residential
properties or they had limited outdoor uses. Ms. Harrell stated
the Fire Department did not turn on its vehicle sirens until they
were on Kavanaugh Blvd. Ms. Harrell stated the trees on Ms.
8
July 30, 2001
Item No.: A (Cont.)
Yancey's patio were lit with small lights that were visible
through the slats in the fence. She stated the building itself
acted as a deflector, sending noise from the patio into her yard.
Ms. Harrell referred to the original Board of Adjustment action
on the site and commented that staff had tried to protect the
neighborhood by limiting windows and doors on the building and by
supporting other conditions. She stated neighbors never
envisioned having to protect themselves from a use like this.
Jennifer Selig, of 5219 Stonewall, stated no complaints were made
about the wine cafe because neighbors did not know they had a
right to complain. She stated it was not until they received
notice of the Board of Adjustment hearing that the neighbors
realized the wine cafe was a violation and not allowed. Ms..
Selig stated she bought her home knowing the fire station and
Yancey's were there. She stated she did not anticipate having an
outdoor restaurant in her back yard. She stated the use was
prohibiting her from using her back yard.
Beverly Wittenberg, of 5207 Stonewall, stated that all of the
other restaurants in the area with outdoor dining have the
outdoor seating oriented to the street. She stated she would not
be opposed to the wine cafe if the outdoor use area was in front
of the building. Ms. Wittenberg stated there had been loud
events on the patio as late as 10:30 - 11:00 p.m. She stated the
only apology Ms. Yancey had made was by mail, 4 days prior to
this hearing. Ms. Wittenberg asked how the use could ever be
monitored. Ms. Wittenberg stated she did not have a good feeling
about the rules being followed since the wine cafe was begun
without proper approval. She stated the wine cafe had also been
found to be in violation of state Alcohol Beverage Control Board
regulations.
Nik Fisken, of 5208 Stonewall, stated he had heard loud noise
coming from the site over Memorial Day weekend. He stated there
were other neighbors who were opposed to the issue but they were
unable or unwilling to come to the hearing.
Michael Selig, of 5219 Stonewall Road, stated the main problem
was private parties going on until 10:00 - 10:30 at night.
Scott Daniel, of 5205 Kavanaugh Blvd., voiced his opposition and
listed several other area residents who were also opposed to the
use. He voiced concerns about noise, hours of operation and
traffic. Mr. Daniel made note of the original Board of
Adjustment approval and commented that there was to be no use of
the area at the rear of the building.
PI
July 30, 2001
Item No.: A (Cont.
Chairman Ruck asked the applicant to discuss the hours of
operation. Mr. Robinson stated the hours, as noted in his
June 21, 2001 letter. Chairman Ruck commented that "Special
Events" seemed to be of primary concern. Mr. Robinson responded
that they would not be every day and the applicant would not
disturb the neighbors.
Dena Yancey stated she would agree to whatever the Board stated
and she would conform to the rules.
Mr. Robinson stated the site would be monitored by the neighbors
and by the City.
w
Chairman Ruck asked how crowd noise would be controlled at an
event such as a wedding reception. Ms. Yancey responded that
noise typically was not a problem unless more people show up than
the event was contracted for. Ms. Yancey stated contracts for
use of the patio for special events would include a limit on the
number of people attending. She stated she would be present to
monitor the events.
In response to a question from Chairman Ruck, Ms. Yancey stated
people could not bring their own food or drink to the site.
Mr. Ruck asked if the contract stated such. Mr. Robinson
responded that they would add that requirement as a condition.
Deputy City Attorney Steve Giles interjected that the question of
"what is fair" is a zoning issue for the Planning Commission. He
stated that the Board of Adjustment's scope was to determine if
there is a substantial hardship or justification to grant a
variance.
In response to a question from Andrew Francis, Ms. Yancey stated
there was no indoor seating.
Mr. Robinson stated denying the request would be a severe
hardship due to Ms. Yancey's financial investment; albeit made
without prior approval.
Gary Langlais suggested that additional plantings could be placed
at the rear of the site to reduce the noise coming from use of
the patio area. Ms. Yancey responded that she had installed
particular plants at a neighbor's suggestion and had installed
retractable canopies on the back of the building to help reduce
noise.
10
July 30, 2001
Item No.: A (Cont.)
Chairman Ruck asked if people were able to use the rear stairway
to go between the patio and the upstairs area during special
events. Ms. Yancey responded that they were.
Chairman Ruck stated that a mistake had already been made and he
was in sympathy with the neighbors. He stated he was pro-
business but not when a business requests a variance that will
negatively impact its neighbors.
Scott Richburg stated that he saw no good reason to grant a
variance when there was unanimous objection from those most
impacted.
Gary Langlais referred to the original, 1999 approval and w
commented that one of the conditions stated that there was to be
no restaurant on the property without Board of Adjustment
approval.
A motion was made to approve the variance as stated in Mr.
Robinson's June 21, 2001 letter with the additional modifications
submitted by the applicant that there would be no more than 50
persons on the patio/terrace and that there would be no music of
any kind. The motion was seconded. The vote was 0 ayes, 4 noes
and 1 absent. The motion was denied.
11
May 24, 1999
Item No.: 7
File No.
Owner:
Address:
Description:
Zoned•
Variance Requested:
Z-6675
Dena Yancey -Trujillo
5208 Kavanaugh Blvd.
Lots 9 and 10, Block 25,
Newton's Addition
C-3
Variances are requested from the
area regulations of Section 36-301,
the parking requirements of Section
36-502 and the screening
requirements of Section 36-523.
Justification• Applicant's Statement: We propose
to improve our existing building
which houses Yancey's Wines and
Spirits at 5208 Kavanaugh Boulevard
in the Heights neighborhood. We
are one of the oldest established
businesses in the Heights and have
been located in the neighborhood
for over thirty years. The
attached application reflects our
request for a zoning variance in
order to improve our building as
well as adding a beautiful upgrade
to our neighborhood for our
neighbors and customers to enjoy.
The one story block and brick
building occupies approximately
3,725 square feet of the 100' X
140' lot. The goal is to add a
second floor to the existing
building, which will provide
additional lease space in this C-3
zoning. Since the existing
structure was not designed to
support a second floor, new
structural columns are required at
the front and rear in order to
space over the existing roof. For
May 24,'1999
Item No.: 7 (Cont.
Present Use of Property:
Proposed Use of Property:
Staff Report:
A. Public Works Issues:
this reason, the upper floor will
be approximately 4,396 square feet
for a total of 8,121 square feet of
gross area, and 7,652 square feet
of floor area. For C-3 business or
retail, the required off-street
parking is a 1,300 ratio, or 26
spaces. Since the existing lot
will support 15 vehicles, we are
requesting a variance for the other
11 spaces.
The other request concerns the rear
yard setback. The existing
building already encroaches into
the 25' rear yard requirement
approximately 14 feet. With the
addition of the structural columns
and second floor, the proposed
addition will not be closer to the
rear property line than 11 feet,
thus the request is for a variance
of 14 feet.
As you know, our property and
location are very valuable and dear
to our family. We own our home two
blocks away and are deeply vested
in our community and neighborhood.
One -Story Commercial Building
Two -Story Commercial Building
1. Kavanaugh Boulevard is listed on the Master Street Plan
as a minor arterial. A dedication of right-of-way to 35
feet from centerline is required.
2. With building permit property frontage needs to have the
sidewalks and ramps brought up to the current ADA
standards.
2
May 24, 1999
Item No.: 7 (Cont.)
3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that
is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to
occupancy.
4. Eliminate one driveway; only one driveway will be
allowed with building permit.
5. Submit sign and planter design (at the time for building
permit) to insure sight distance is not affected by
construction.
B. Staff Analysis:
The C-3 zoned property located at 5208 Kavanaugh Blvd. is
occupied by a 3,725 sq. ft., one-story commercial building.
The building is typical of 1960's construction; glass front
and flat roof. A 16 space parking lot is located in front
of the building, with two driveways onto Kavanaugh Blvd.
The applicant proposes to add a second floor to the existing
building. The resulting structure will have a pitched roof
and a fagade treatment more compatible with other structures
in the Heights neighborhood. The existing structure was not
designed to support a second floor and new structural
columns will be required at the front and rear in order to
span over the existing building. The new upper floor will
contain 4,396 square feet, resulting in a total floor area
of 8,121 square feet. The proposed expansion results in the
need for four variances from the Board of Adjustment.
Additional variances may be required from the Board of
Directors and City Beautiful Commission for those areas not
under the Board of Adjustment's purview.
The existing building has a rear yard setback of 12.42 feet
and a side yard setback on the west side of 4.11 feet.
After construction of the second floor, the structure will
have a rear yard setback of 11 feet and will maintain the
existing 4.11 foot side yard setback on the west. The Code
requires a rear yard setback of 25 feet and a side yard
setback of 15 feet when abutting a residential district.
Redevelopment of the site requires placement of screening
between this site's parking lot and the abutting property to
the west. The applicant is requesting a variance of that
requirement since the parking lot is already existing and
the residentially zoned property to the west is occupied by
a fire station, not a residence.
3
May 24, 1999
Item No.: 7 (Cont.)
Once the project is complete, the building will have a gross
floor area of 8,121 square feet, requiring 27 on-site
parking spaces; based on the general commercial requirement
of 1 space per 300 square feet. The site plan proposes 15
on-site parking spaces. There is no additional space on the
site for more parking.
Staff is supportive of the requested variances. The
remodeling proposed by the applicant will result in a more
aesthetically pleasing structure that is more compatible
with structures in the Heights neighborhood. This proposed
upgrade should be of benefit to the area.
Adding the second floor, while basically maintaining the
rear and side yard setbacks of the existing building should
have minimal impact on adjacent properties. There will be
only one small window on the north (back) side of the second
floor. The window will be located in an office occupied by
the applicant. There will be no windows on the east or west
sides of the second floor. A second floor fire exit only
will be located on the rear of the building. Although the
building sits closer than 25 feet to the rear property line,
limiting the windows and exits on the north side of the
building should help to mitigate the impact of the reduced
setback. The 15 foot side yard requirement is not necessary
since the abutting residentially zoned property is occupied
by a fire station, not a residence. In the C-3 district, no
side yard setback is required except when the site abuts
residentially zoned property.
The applicant is requesting a parking variance of 12 spaces.
There may be some minor modification of this number in
response to Public Works requirement to dedicate right-of-
way and eliminate one of the two driveways onto Kavanaugh.
The redesign of the driveway could result in a gain or loss
of 1-2 parking spaces. The applicant has stated that he
intends to seek a variance of the driveway requirement from
the Board of Directors. The Heights has been recognized and
prides itself on being a walking neighborhood. Very few
businesses in the Heights commercial area have adequate on-
site parking, if any at all. There is on street parking
available on Kavanaugh Blvd. in this area. There is not
much competition for that on street parking from the nearby
uses. The properties adjacent to this site are occupied by
a fire station and a bank, both of which have adequate on-
site parking. Staff does not believe the 11-12 space
parking variance is out of character for the neighborhood.
4
May 24,' 1999
Item No.: 7 (Cont.)
It is likely that the second floor of this building will
contain office uses rather than retail commercial office
uses which might require greater on-site parking. Most of
the commercial uses in the Heights area are smaller,
specialty shops which do not generate high traffic volumes
throughout the day. Staff's only concern is the possibility
of a restaurant occupying a portion of the site. The
parking requirement for a restaurant is 1 space per 100
square feet, which could greatly compound the issue
regarding the lack of parking. Consequently, staff would
recommend that this variance be granted subject to no
restaurant being located in the building.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested setback,
screening and parking variances subject to compliance with
the following conditions:
1. Compliance with Public Works Comments, including any
variance of these requirements as may be granted by the
Board of Directors.
2. Compliance with the City's Landscape Ordinance,
including any variance of the Landscape requirements as
may be granted by the City Beautiful Commission.
3. There are to be no doors or windows in the rear and side
walls of the second floor other than for a fire escape
door and the one small window in the owner's office as
indicated by the applicant.
4. There is to be no restaurant located in this building
without further application to and approval by the Board
of Adjustment. The parking variance is based upon those
uses requiring a maximum parking ratio of 1 space per
300 square feet of gross floor area.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(MAY 24, 1999)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present.
Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval,
subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in the "staff
recommendation" above. Staff informed the Board that Public
Works Comment No. 4 had been removed and replaced with the
following:
5
May 24,' 1999
Item No.: 7 (Cont.
Two driveways are permitted subject to each driveway
being no more than 20 feet in width and one driveway
being an entrance only and the second driveway being
an exit only.
The applicant offered no additional comments.
The item was placed on the consent agenda and approved as
recommended by staff, including the modified Public Works
Comment. The vote was 5 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.