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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7119-A Staff AnalysisFILE NO.: Z -7119-A NAME: USA Drug - the Ranch - Short -form PD -C LOCATION: Located on the Northeast corner of Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive DEVELOPER: USA Drug 2100 Brookhaven Drive Little Rock, AR 72202 SURVEYOR: White Daters and Associates 24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 1.67 acres CURRENT ZONING: ALLOWED USES: PROPOSED ZONING PROPOSED USE: NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 -M Bank PD -C FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF Drug Store — C-2 uses as alternative uses VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. BACKGROUND: Ordinance No. 18,635 adopted by the Little Rock Board of Directors on February 5, 2002, rezoned the site from C-2, Shopping Center District to PD -O. The site contained 1,67 -acres and was approved to allow the construction of a bank. A common access easement and drive shown on the northern and eastern boundaries of the lot allowed access to the site. The access easements were proposed as right -turn movement only from and onto Cantrell Road. A deceleration lane and acceleration taper was proposed on Cantrell Road. A variance from the minimum driveway spacing criteria was approved with the request for Ranch Drive. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The property located at the northeast corner of Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive is proposed for rezoning from PD -O to PD -C to allow construction of a new USA Drug Store. The lot is an existing platted lot containing 1.67 acres. The site is FILE NO.: Z -7119-A Cont. proposed developed with a building containing 14,974 square feet and 64 parking spaces. The hours of operation are proposed from 6 am to 11 pm daily. The request includes the allowance of C-2, Shopping Center District uses as allowable alternative uses for the property subject to the parking matching the proposed use. The site is located within the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The site exists with less than the typically two -acre minimum lot size development standard established by the Overlay. The site plan also indicates the building constructed with less than the 40 foot typical rear building setback also established by the Overlay. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is vacant and cleared. Other uses in the area include two large office buildings, Leisure Arts to the north and AT & T to the west; a Texaco Quick Shop to the east; and single-family residential south of Cantrell Road. South of the site at the intersection with Drew Drive a formerly single-family structure has been converted to a veterinary clinic. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received several informational phone calls from area residents. All property owners located within 200 feet, all residents, who could be identified, located within 300 feet of the site, the Coalition of West Little Rock Neighborhoods, the Aberdeen Court Property Owners Association, the Chevaux Property Owners Association, the Johnson Ranch Neighborhood Association and the Tulley Cove Neighborhood Association were notified of the public hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Cantrell Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a principal arterial. Dedication of right-of-way to 55 feet from centerline will be required. 2. Sidewalks with appropriate handicap ramps are required in accordance with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan. Sidewalks are required to be installed adjacent to Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive. 3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. 4. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). 5. Obtain permits for improvements within State Highway right-of-way from AHTD, District VI. 6. Stormwater detention ordinance applies to this property. K FILE E O.: Z -7119-A Cont. 7. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES stormwater permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the start of construction. 8. On site striping and signage plans should be forwarded to Public Works, Traffic Engineering for approval with the site development package. 9. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering 379-1813 (Steve Philpott) for more information. 10. Obtain a franchise agreement from Public Works (Bennie Nicolo, 371-4818) for the private improvements located in the right-of-way. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available to this project. Enter : A ten -foot overhead or a thirty-foot under ground easement is required along Ranch Drive and Cantrell Road. Center -Point Energy: No comment received. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of the meter connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. This fee will apply to all meter connections including any metered connections off the private fire system. Due to the nature of this facility, installation of an approved reduced pressure zone backflow preventer assembly (RPZ) is required on the domestic water service. This assembly must be installed prior to the first point of use. Central Arkansas Water (CAW) requires that upon installation of the RPZA, successful tests of the assembly must be completed by a Certified Assembly Tester licensed by the State of Arkansas and approved by CAW. The test results must be sent to CAW's Cross Connection Section within ten days of installation and annually thereafter. Contact the Cross Connection Section at 377-1226 if you would like to discuss backflow prevention requirements for this project. The Little Rock Fire Department needs to evaluate this site to determine whether additional public and/or private fire hydrant(s) will be required. If additional fire hydrant(s) are required, they will be installed at the Developer's expense. Please submit plans for water facilities and/or fire protection system to Central Arkansas Water for review. Plan revisions may be required after additional review. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for installation of water facilities and/or fire service. Approval of plans by the Arkansas Department of Health Engineering Division and Little Rock Fire Department is required. Fire sprinkler systems, which do not contain additives such as antifreeze, shall be isolated with a double detector check valve 3 FILE N4.: Z -7119-A Cont. assembly. If additives are used, a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer shall be required. Fire De artment: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located on CATA Bus Route #25 — the Highway 10 Express Route. - F. ISS U ESITECH N ICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Pinnacle Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Commercial for this property. The applicant has applied for a Planned Development -Commercial to allow construction of a pharmacy. The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Cantrell Road is a Principal Arterial. The primary function of a Principal Arterial is to serve through traffic and to connect major traffic generators or activity centers within urbanized areas. Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on Cantrell Road since it is a Principal Arterial. Ranch Road is a Local Street. The primary function of a Local Street is to provide access to adjacent properties. Local Streets, which are abutted by non-residential zoning/use or more intensive zoning than duplexes, are considered as "Commercial Streets". These streets have a design standard the same as a Collector. These streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. Bicycle Plan: There are no bike routes shown in the immediate vicinity. Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is not covered by a Neighborhood Action Plan. Landscape'. 1. The site plan must comply with the City's landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. The landscape ordinance requires a nine -foot (9) wide landscape strip along the northern property line. The City Beautiful Commission must approve a variance for any lesser amount prior to the issuance of a building permit. 3. The landscape ordinance requires a minimum of eight percent (8%) of the paved areas be landscaped with interior islands of at least seven and one-half 0 FILE NO.: Z -7119-A feet (7'/2') in width and 150 square feet in area. These interior islands are to evenly distributed throughout the site. 4. A small amount of building landscaping will be required in conjunction with this request. 5. This site is located along Arkansas Highway 10; therefore, related to development standards of the Overlay the following are required: a. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required. b. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, it will be necessary to provide an approved landscape plan stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape Architect. 6. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing trees as feasible on this site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (May 21, 2009) Mr. Tim Daters of White-Daters and Associates was present representing the request. Staff presented the item stating the lot was an existing platted lot and the final plat for the lot was executed in 2002. Staff stated the property was located within the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. Staff requested the site plan include the total sign height and sign area allowed per the Overlay. Staff also questioned if electronic signage would be used within the development. Staff stated a minimum rear yard landscape strip of nine feet was required along the northern perimeter. Staff also stated the Overlay required the placement of a forty foot landscape strip along Cantrell Road. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the Stormwater Detention Ordinance would apply to the future development of the site. Staff also stated streetlights were required to be installed prior to the issuance of the final certificate of occupancy for the new construction. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated a minimum landscape strip of nine feet was required along the common access drive to the north. Staff stated a small amount of building landscaping was required. Staff stated the site would require the placement of an automatic irrigation system and a landscape plan stamped with the seal of a registered landscape architect would be required at the time of development. Staff noted comments from the other reporting departments and agencies suggesting the applicant contact them individually for additional clarification. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. 5 FILE NO.: Z -7119-A Cont. H. ANALYSIS: The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing a few of the issues raised at the May 28, 2009, Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised plan indicates a minimum landscape strip of fifteen (15) feet along the northern perimeter, where adjacent to the access easement, and the placement of a forty (40) foot landscape strip along Cantrell Road. The plan indicates a single ground mounted monument sign will be located within the front yard landscape area. The sign is proposed with a maximum height of six (6) feet and a maximum sign area of seventy-two (72) square feet. Electronic signage is proposed incorporated into the ground -mounted sign. Building signage will comply with the typical standards allowed in commercial zones or a maximum of ten (10) percent of the fagade area abutting a public right of way. The development is proposed on an existing 1.67 -acre lot. The lot was final platted in February 2002. Access easements and drives have been constructed on the property's eastern and northern perimeters. Public streets abut the western and southern perimeters not allowing for additional land area to be secured to increase the lot size. The site plan indicates the construction of a 14,974 square foot building and 62 parking spaces. The ordinance would typically require the placement of 49 parking spaces to serve the retail use. The applicant is requesting alternative uses as allowed in the C-2, Shopping Center Zoning District subject to the use matching the available parking on the site per Section 36-502 of the City's Zoning Ordinance. The site plan indicates a building area of 20.6 percent and paved area of 42.6 percent. A minimum of 36.8 percent of the site will be landscaped. The landscaping provided is more than adequate to address Section 36-460 (h)(7) of the City's Zoning Ordinance which requires a minimum of ten (10) percent of the gross planned commercial mixed use district, planned commercial district (PDC) or planned office district (POD) area to be designated as landscaped open space not to be used for streets or parking. The development is indicated with a front yard -building setback of one hundred (100) plus feet and a side yard setback of fifty-five (55) feet along the eastern perimeter and eighty (80) plus feet along the western perimeter. The rear yard building setback is located fifteen (15) feet from the property line adjacent to a common access easement. The Highway 10 Design Overlay District states a minimum rear yard setback of forty (40) feet is typically required. The Overlay further states for commercial developments and multiple building sites, whether on one (1) or more platted lots, the regulations apply to the development as an entire tract rather than to each platted lot. Commercial developments and multiple building sites are to be reviewed by the City through a site plan review process to illustrate compliance with the ordinance. The site is located within the Ranch Subdivision which has developed over the years with a unified development plan through previous zoning of the property. Staff feels the site C FILE NO.: Z -7119-A Cont. pian is indicated complying with the spirit of the Overlay ordinance. Staff feels with the placement of the rear yard setback the minimum landscape strip can: be achieved and the building location allows for visual separation between the structure and the adjacent access easement. Landscaping and landscaping treatment will comply with the typical standards of the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. A water sprinkler system will be provided to water landscaped areas and maintain planted materials. Trees to be planted will be consistent with species in the area. A tree will be planted as required by the Overlay or will be planted a minimum of twenty (20) feet apart and be a minimum of two (2) inches in diameter from the ground at the time of planting. The site plan includes a note concerning parking lot lighting stating parking lot lighting will be designed and located in such a manner so as to not disturb the scenic appearance of the roadway and preserve the corridor. Lighting will be directed to the parking areas and not reflect into the adjacent neighborhoods. The following list the Highway 10 Design Overlay standards and the applicant's proposal related to each item: j Highway 70 DOD Requirements: Applicant's proposal: I Lot size. There shall be a minimum The lot exists containing 1.67 acres. The development tract size of not less than two final plat for the lot was executed on (2) acres. February 20, 2002. I - Front yard. All principal and accessory The building is proposed with a front yard buildings or structures are required to have setback of 100 -feet. a one -hundred -foot building setback from the property line abutting Highway 10. Rear yard. Rear yard shall not be less The building is proposed within a than forty (40) feet. commercial development with the rear of the building abutting an access easement. The rear yard of the building is proposed with a fifteen (15) foot rear yard setback. Side yard. Side yard shall not be less than The side yard setbacks thirty (30) feet. excess of the typically requirement. __ --- — — — __._L-_ Landscaping treatment. Landscaped ' There are no existing areas shall attempt to incorporate existing located on the site. on-site trees and shrubbery into the landscaping scheme and the plans shall indicate such incorporation, 7 are proposed in thirty (30) foot trees or shrubs FILE NO.: Z -7119-A (Cont. Landscaped areas sprinkler systems materials. shall have water to maintain plant Erosion retardant vegetation shall be used on all cuts and fills. Tree species to be planted within this corridor should be consistent with other species present. The Highway 10 frontage (front yard) shall consist of a minimum of forty (40) feet of landscaped area exclusive of right-of-way. The landscaped area shall contain organic and/or combined man-made/organic features as berms, brick walls and dense plantings such that vehicular use areas are screened when viewed from an elevation of forty-two (42) inches above the elevation of the adjacent street. Alternative screening methods and designs must be approved by the plans review specialist. Appeals from the staff will be directed to the planning commission. Within the landscaped area trees shall be planted or be existing at least every twenty (20) feet and have a minimum of two (2) inches in diameter when measured twelve (12) inches from the ground at time of planting. Where a developer demonstrates that this requirement will constitute an undue hardship, a landscaped area exclusive of right-of-way may consist of a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet. In those instances only, a half -berm shall be constructed which is a minimum of three (3) feet in height with tree plantings as required herein; provided however, that this provision may only be applied to a maximum of twenty (20) percent of the highway frontage affected in the plans submitted. Rear and side yards shall have a landscaped buffer averaging a minimum of The development sprinkler system materials. will provide a water to maintain plant The site will not require any cuts or fills. Tree species to be planted will be consistent with other species present. The site will maintain a forty (40) foot landscape area exclusive of the right of way. The screening of the parking area will be consistent with screening requirements of the Overlay. A berm, wall or dense plantings will be provided within the front yard landscape area. 0 The rear yard shall have a minimum landscape strip adjacent to the access FILE NO.: Z -7119-A twenty-five(25) feet from the property line. easement of nine (9), consistent with Where such yards abut a street right -of- landscaping strips provided in similar type way, a fifteen -foot landscaped strip shall situations. Along the western perimeter, be required adjacent to land zoned office where adjacent to a street right of way, a j and residential. A seven -foot landscaped minimum fifteen (15) foot landscape strip strip shall be required when adjacent to will be provided due to the office zoning lands zoned commercial. located across the right of way of Ranch Drive. Signage. Signage shall comply with the Building signage will comply -with signage provisions of Article X of Chapter 36 of the allowed in Chapter 36 of the Little Rock Little Rock Code of Ordinances, except as Code of Ordinances. follows: i Commercial development signage. Signage identifying the commercial development shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height and one hundred (100) square feet in area. All signs that are ground - mounted shall be of a monument type design. These signs may be installed in the landscaped area of the front and side yards. Commercial building signage. Each separate commercial building will be allowed a single monument ground - mounted sign located on the building site or in the landscaped front yard of the commercial development. The sign shall be a maximum of six (6) feet in height and seventy-two (72) square feet in area. The development is proposed with a single ground mounted monument style sign located within the front yard landscape area. The sign will be a maximum of six feet in height and a maximum sign area of seventy-two square feet. The development will utilize electronic signage. Curb cuts. Maximum, one (1) curb cut per The development will utilize an existing three hundred (300) feet and no curb cut curb cut from Cantrell Road. This curb cut closer to an intersection than one hundred is a service and access easement serving (100) feet. additional lots within this commercial development. Lighting. Parking lot lighting shall be ` Lighting shall comply with the DOD. designed and located in such manner so standards. Lighting will be directed to the as not to disturb the scenic appearance parking areas and not reflect into the preserved in this corridor. Lighting should adjacent neighborhoods. be directed to the parking areas and not reflected into the adjacent neighborhoods. I L 9 FILE NO.: Z -7119-A (Cont. Building sites. The maximum number of 1 The site contains 1.67 acres. There is one buildings per commercial development building proposed on this tract. shall be measured both by minimum tract size and minimum frontage as follows: One (1) building every two (2) acres. Commercial developments and multiple A single building is proposed on this site. building sites. In the case of a commercial The Ranch Development has been development or other development developing with commercial and office involving multiple building sites, whether -uses through a unified development plan on one (1) or more platted lots, the above established by the previous zoning. described regulations shall apply to the development as an entire tract rather than to each platted lot. Developments of this type shall be reviewed by the City through a site plan review process which illustrates compliance with this article. Property, due to topography, size, irregular The request is to rezone the property from shapes or other constraints, such as PD -O to PD -C to allow the construction of adjacent structures or features which a new USA Drug Store. The development significantly affect visibility, and thus is proposed as a PD -C due to the existing cannot be developed without violating the lot size. standards of this article shall be reviewed through the planned unit development (PUD) section of the zoning ordinance, with the intent to devise a workable { development plan which is consistent with the purpose and intent of the overlay standards. Staff is generally supportive of the request. The development of the site is indicated as meeting the spirit and intent of the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. Staff feels the developers have done an adequate job in addressing the items regulated within the Overlay. To staff's knowledge there are no outstanding technical issues associated with the request in need of addressing. Staff is not however supportive of allowing the development to utilize electronic signage. Although there have been a number of electronic signs approved along the Corridor, staff does not feel the placement of electronic signage on the Corridor preserves the scenic beauty as intended in the Highway 10 DOD. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the request as filed. 10 FILE NO.: Z -7119-A (Cont. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: The applicant was present. There were presented the item stating the applicant had deferred to the July 23, 2009, public hearing deferral request. (JUNE 11, 2009) no registered objectors present. Staff requested on June 4, 2009, the item be Staff stated they were supportive of the There was no further discussion of the item. The Chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the Consent Agenda for deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. STAFF UPDATE: There has been no change to the application request since the previous staff write-up. Staff continues to not support the applicant's request to allow electronic signage for this development. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JULY 23, 2009) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating on July 20, 2009, the applicant had requested the item be deferred to the September 3, 2009, public hearing. Staff stated the deferral request would require a waiver of the Commission's By-laws with regard to the late deferral request. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for a waiver of the By-laws with regard to the late deferral request. The motion carried by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. The chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the consent agenda for deferral as recommended by staff. The motion carried by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. STAFF UPDATE: There has been no change to the application request since the previous staff write-up. Staff continues to not support the applicant's request to allow electronic signage for this development. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Mr. Joe White of White Daters and Associates There were no registered objectors present. applicant had submitted a request dated August 11 (SEPTEMBER 3, 2009) was present representing the request. Staff presented the item stating the 25, 2009, requesting a deferral of the FILE NO.: Z -7119-A (Cont. item to the October 15, 2009, public hearing. Staff stated the Commission's By-laws typically allowed for two (2) deferrals without a waiver of the Commission's By-laws to allow for an additional deferral. Staff stated the deferral request would require a waiver of the Commission's By-laws with regard to the number of deferrals previously approved. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for approval of the By-law waiver regarding the number of previously approved deferrals. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. The chair entertained a motion for approval of the item as presented by staff. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff requesting a development sign for the Dogwood Crossing shopping center in addition to the ground sign proposed for the USA Drug store. The sign is proposed within a sign easement located near the intersection of Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive. The sign is proposed consistent with Commercial Development signage allowed per the Highway 10 Design Overlay District or a maximum of ten feet in height and one hundred square feet in area. The development sign is not proposed with an electronic reader board. Staff is supportive of the development sign as proposed. Staff continues to not support the entire application as filed. The remaining issue associated with the request and staff's non-support of the application is USA Drug's request to be allowed an electronic reader board on the proposed USA Drug sign. The sign is proposed with a maximum height of six feet and a maximum sign area of seventy-two square feet as allowed per the Overlay. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION.: (OCTOBER 15, 2009) The applicant was present. There was a registered objector present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of denial. Staff stated the applicant had submitted a revised site plan to staff requesting a development sign for the Dogwood Crossing Shopping Center in addition to the ground sign proposed for the USA Drug store. Staff stated the Dogwood Crossing Shopping Center development sign was proposed within a sign easement located near the intersection of Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive. Staff stated the sign was proposed consistent with commercial development signage allowed per the Highway 10 Design Overlay District or a maximum of ten feet in height and one hundred square feet in area. Staff stated the development sign was not proposed with an electronic reader board. Staff stated they were supportive of the Dogwood Crossing Shopping Center development sign as proposed. 12 FILE NO.: Z-7119--A(Cont.) Staff stated they continued to not support the entire application as filed. Staff stated the issue associated with the request which had not gained staff's support was the request to allow USA Drug to have an electronic reader board on their proposed sign. Staff stated the sign was proposed with a maximum height of six feet and a maximum sign area of seventy-two square feet as allowed per the Overlay. Mr. Joe Courtright, CEO of USA Drug, was present representing the request. He stated USA Drug was located in several states and in 50 cities. He stated in Arkansas USA Drug employed approximately 1,500 persons. He stated the request for the reader board was one of fairness. He stated his chief competitor was Wal -Greens. He stated Wal -greens store was located just blocks from the proposed USA Drug and was developed with a reader sign. He stated all USA Drug was asking for was equal ground. He stated the sign proposed for USA Drug was a six foot by twelve foot sign with the reader incorporated into the sign area. He stated the need for the electronic sign was to allow USA Drug to compete with the neighboring business. Ms. Ruth Bell, League of Women Voters, addressed the Commission in opposition. She stated the League felt the Highway 10 Corridor was important to preserve. She stated the DOD was specific on signage and the purpose and intent of the DOD was to limit inappropriate signs. She stated electronic signs were also a hazard to drivers. Ms. Bell requested the Commission support staff and deny the request. Commissioner Nunnley questioned Mr. Courtright as to the company's future plans for constructing a store in the inner City. Mr. Courtright stated there was a store on 12th Street and the company was exploring options for construction of a store on South Main Street. There was a general discussion by the Commission as to whether the DOD regulated and/or prohibited electronic signage. Staff stated the DOD did not prohibit electronic signage. Staff stated the sign regulations referenced in the DOD related to style of signs and maximum sign area. Staff stated the remaining signage was to comply with the City's Sign Ordinance. Staff stated in the City's Sign Ordinance there were provisions for allowing electronic signage. Staff stated their reason for non-support of the electronic sign was that they did not feel electronic signage met the character and intent section of the Highway 10 DOD. Staff stated the purpose of establishing the district was to protect and enhance the aesthetic and visual character of lands surrounding Highway 10. Staff stated they did not fee[electronic signage met this goal. There was a general discussion by the Commission as to fairness and equity. A Commissioner stated at what point do you no longer allow electronic signs. Commissioner Nunnley stated he understood staff's position but also understood the applicant's position. A Commissioner stated with the previous approval of ten to fifteen signs precedent had been set. Deputy City Attorney Cindy Dawson stated the Commission by its actions did not set precedent but was to review each item on its owns merits on a case by case basis. A motion was made to approve the request. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 1 noes and 2 absent. `K] October 15, 2009 ITEM NO.: B FILE NO.: Z-711 NAME: USA Drug - the Ranch - Short -form PD -C LOCATION: Located on the Northeast corner of Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive DEVELOPER: USA Drug 2100 Brookhaven Drive Little Rock, AR 72202 SURVEYOR: White Daters and Associates 24 Rahling Circle Little Rock, AR 72223 AREA: 1.67 acres CURRENT ZONING: ALLOWED USES: PROPOSED ZONING: PROPOSED USE NUMBER OF LOTS: 1 -9 • Bank PD -C FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF Drug Store — C-2 uses as alternative uses VARIANCESIWAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested. BACKGROUND: Ordinance No. 18,635 adopted by the Little Rock Board of Directors on February 5, 2002, rezoned the site from C-2, Shopping Center District to PD -O. The site contained 1.67 -acres and was approved to allow the construction of a bank. A common access easement and drive shown on the northern and eastern boundaries of the lot allowed access to the site. The access easements were proposed as right -turn movement only from and onto Cantrell Road. A deceleration lane and acceleration taper was proposed on Cantrell Road. A variance from the minimum driveway spacing criteria was approved with the request for Ranch Drive. October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B Cont. FILE NO.: Z -7119-A A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The property located at the northeast corner of Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive is proposed for rezoning from PD -O to PD -C to allow construction of a new USA Drug Store. The lot is an existing platted lot containing 1.57 acres. The site is proposed developed with a building containing 14,974 square feet and 64 parking spaces. The hours of operation are proposed from 6 am to 11 pm daily. The request includes the allowance of C-2, Shopping Center District uses as allowable alternative uses for the property subject to the parking matching the proposed use. The site is located within the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The site exists with less than the typically two -acre minimum lot size development standard established by the Overlay. The site plan also indicates the building constructed with less than the 40 foot typical rear building setback also established by the Overlay. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: The site is vacant and cleared. Other uses in the area include two large office buildings, Leisure Arts to the north and AT & T to the west; a Texaco Quick Shop to the east; and single-family residential south of Cantrell Road. South of the site at the intersection with Drew Drive a formerly single-family structure has been converted to a veterinary clinic. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has received several informational phone calls from area residents. All property owners located within 200 feet, all residents, who could be identified, located within 300 feet of the site, the Coalition of (Nest Little Rock Neighborhoods, the Aberdeen Court Property Owners Association, the Chevaux Property Owners Association, the Johnson Ranch Neighborhood Association and the Tulley Cove Neighborhood Association were notified of the public hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. Cantrell Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a principal arterial. Dedication of right-of-way to 55 feet from centerline will be required. 2. Sidewalks with appropriate handicap ramps -are required in accordance with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan. Sidewalks are required to be installed adjacent to Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive. 2 October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -7119-A 3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. 4. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). 5. Obtain permits for improvements within State Highway right-of-way from AHTD, District VI. 6. Stormwater detention ordinance applies to this property. 7. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES stormwater permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the start of construction. 8. On site striping and signage plans should be forwarded to Public Works, Traffic Engineering for approval with the site development package. 9. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering 379-1813 (Steve Philpott) for more information. 10. Obtain a franchise agreement from Public Works (Bennie Nicolo, 371-4818) for the private improvements located in the right-of-way. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNIN Wastewater: Sewer available to this project. Enter : A ten -foot overhead or a thirty-foot under ground easement is required along Ranch Drive and Cantrell Road. Center -Point Ener : No comment received. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of the meter connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. This fee will apply to all meter connections including any metered connections off the private fire system. Due to the nature of this facility, installation of an approved reduced pressure zone backflow preventer assembly (RPZ) is required on the domestic water service. This assembly must be installed prior to the first point of use. Central Arkansas Water (CAW) requires that upon installation of the RPZA, successful tests of the assembly must be completed by a Certified Assembly Tester licensed by the State of Arkansas and approved by 3 October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B Cont. FILE NO.: Z -7119-A CAW. The test results must be sent to CAW's Cross Connection Section within ten days of installation and annually thereafter. Contact the Cross Connection Section at 377-1226 if you would like to discuss backflow prevention requirements for this project. The Little Rock Fire Department needs to evaluate this site to determine whether additional public and/or private fire hydrant(s) will be required. If additional fire hydrant(s) are required, they will be installed at the Developer's expense. Please submit plans for water facilities and/or fire protection system to Central Arkansas Water for review. Plan revisions may be required after additional review. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for installation of water facilities and/or fire service. Approval of plans by the Arkansas Department of Health Engineering Division and Little Rock Fire Department is required. Fire sprinkler systems, which do not contain additives such as antifreeze, shall be isolated with a double detector check valve assembly. If additives are used, a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer shall be required. Fire Department- Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: The site is located on CATA Bus Route #25 — the Highway 10 Express Route. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Pinnacle Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Commercial for this property. The applicant has applied for a Planned Development -Commercial to allow construction of a pharmacy. The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Cantrell Road is a Principal Arterial. The primary function of a Principal Arterial is to serve through traffic and to connect major traffic generators or activity centers within urbanized areas. Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on Cantrell Road since it is a Principal Arterial. Ranch Road is a Local Street. The primary function of a Local Street is to provide access to adjacent properties. Local Streets, which are abutted by non-residential zoning/use or more intensive zoning than duplexes, are considered as "Commercial Streets". These streets have a design standard the same as a Collector. These streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. Il October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B (Cont FILE NO.: Z -7119-A Bicycle Plan: There are no bike routes shown in the immediate vicinity. Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is not covered by a Neighborhood Action Plan. Landscape: 1. The site plan must comply with the City's landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. The landscape ordinance requires a nine -foot (9) wide landscape strip along the northern property line. The City Beautiful Commission must approve a variance for any lesser amount prior to the issuance of a building permit. 3. The landscape ordinance requires a minimum of eight percent (8%) of the paved areas be landscaped with interior islands of at least seven and one-half feet (7'/2') in width and 150 square feet in area. These interior islands are to evenly distributed throughout the site. 4. A small amount of building landscaping will be required in conjunction with this request. 5. This site is located along Arkansas Highway 10; therefore, related to development standards of the Overlay the following are required: a. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required. b. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, it will be necessary to provide an approved landscape plan stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape Architect. 6. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing trees as feasible on this site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (May 21, 2009) Mr. Tim Daters of White-Daters and Associates was present• representing the request. Staff presented the item stating the lot was an existing platted lot and the final plat for the lot was executed in 2002. Staff stated the property was located within the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. Staff requested the site plan include the total sign height and sign area allowed per the Overlay. Staff also questioned if electronic signage would be used within the development. Staff stated a minimum rear yard landscape strip of nine feet was required along 5 October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B (Cort) FILE NO.: Z -7119-A the northern perimeter. Staff also stated the Overlay required the placement of a forty foot landscape strip along Cantrell Road. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the Stormwater Detention Ordinance would apply to the future development of the site. Staff also stated streetlights were required to be _installed prior to the issuance of the final certificate of occupancy for the new construction. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated a minimum landscape strip of nine feet was required along the common access drive to the north. Staff stated a small amount of building landscaping was required. Staff stated the site would require the placement of an automatic irrigation system and a landscape plan stamped with the seal of a registered landscape architect would be required at the time of development. Staff noted comments from the other reporting departments and agencies suggesting the applicant contact them individually for additional clarification. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action. H. ANALYSIS. The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing a few of the issues raised at the May 28, 2009, Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised plan indicates a minimum landscape strip of fifteen (15) feet along the northern perimeter, where adjacent to the access easement, and the placement of a forty (40) foot landscape strip along Cantrell Road. The plan indicates a single ground mounted monument sign will be located within the front yard landscape area. The sign is proposed with a maximum height of six (6) feet and a maximum sign area of seventy-two (72) square feet. Electronic signage is proposed incorporated into the ground -mounted sign. Building signage will comply with the typical standards allowed in commercial zones or a maximum of ten (10) percent of the facade area abutting a public right of way. The development is proposed on an existing 1.67 -acre lot. The lot was final platted in February 2002. Access easements and drives have been constructed on the property's eastern and northern perimeters. Public streets abut the western and southern perimeters not allowing for additional land area to be secured to increase the lot size. The site plan indicates the construction of a 14,974 square foot building and 62 parking spaces. The ordinance would typically require the placement of 49 parking spaces to serve the retail use. The applicant is requesting alternative uses as allowed in the C-2, Shopping Center Zoning District subject to the use Al October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B {Cont. FILE NO.: Z -7119-A matching the available parking on the site per Section 36-502 of the City's Zoning Ordinance. The site plan indicates a building area of 20.6 percent and paved area of 42.6 percent. A minimum of 36.8 percent of the site will be landscaped. The landscaping provided is more than adequate to address Section 36-460 (h)(7) of the City's Zoning Ordinance which requires a minimum of ten (10) percent of the gross planned commercial mixed use district, planned commercial district (PDC) or planned office district (POD) area to be designated as landscaped open space not to be used for streets or parking. The development is indicated with a front yard -building setback of one hundred (100) plus feet and a side yard setback of fifty-five (55) feet along the eastern perimeter and eighty (80) plus feet along the western perimeter. The rear yard building setback is located fifteen (15) feet from the property line adjacent to a common access easement. The Highway 10 Design Overlay District states a minimum rear yard setback of forty (40) feet is typically required. The Overlay further states for commercial developments and multiple building sites, whether on one (1) or more platted lots, the regulations apply to the development as an entire tract rather than to each platted lot. Commercial developments and multiple building sites are to be reviewed by the City through a site plan review process to illustrate compliance with the ordinance. The site is located within the Ranch Subdivision which has developed over the years with a unified development plan through previous zoning of the property. Staff feels the site plan is indicated complying with the spirit of the Overlay ordinance. Staff feels with the placement of the rear yard setback the minimum landscape strip can be achieved and the building location allows for visual separation between the structure and the adjacent access easement. Landscaping and landscaping treatment will comply with the typical standards of the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. A water sprinkler system will be provided to water landscaped areas and maintain planted materials. Trees to be planted will be consistent with species in the area. A tree will be planted as required by the Overlay or will be planted a minimum of twenty (20) feet apart and be a minimum of two (2) inches in diameter from the ground at the time of planting. The site plan includes a note concerning parking lot lighting stating parking lot lighting will be designed and located in such a manner so as to not disturb the scenic appearance of the roadway and preserve the corridor. Lighting will be directed to the parking areas and not reflect into the adjacent neighborhoods. The following list the Highway 10 Design Overlay standards and the applicant's proposal related to each item: VA October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B Cont. FILE NO.. Z -7119-A Highway 10 DOD Requirements: Applicant's proposal: Lot size. There shall be a minimum The lot exists containing 1.67 acres. The development tract size of not less than two final plat for the lot was executed on (2) acres. Front yard. All principal and accessory buildings or structures are required to have a one -hundred -foot building setback from the property line abutting Highway 10. Rear yard. Rear yard shall not be less than forty (40) feet. February 20, 2002. The building is proposed with a front yard setback of 100 -feet. The building is proposed within a commercial development with the rear of the building abutting an access easement. The rear yard of the building is proposed with a fifteen (15) foot rear yard setback. I Side yard. Side yard shall not be less than The side yard setbacks are proposed in thirty (30) feet. excess of the typically thirty (30) foot requirement. Landscaping treatment. Landscaped There are no existing trees or shrubs areas shall attempt to incorporate existing located on the site. on-site trees and shrubbery into the landscaping scheme and the plans shall indicate such incorporation. Landscaped areas shall have water' The development will provide a water sprinkler systems to maintain plant sprinkler system to maintain plant materials. materials. Erosion retardant vegetation shall be used The site will not require any cuts or fills. on all cuts and fills. Tree species to corridor should be species present. be planted within this Tree species to be planted will be consistent with other consistent with other species present. The Highway 10 frontage (front yard) shall consist of a minimum of forty (40) feet of landscaped area exclusive of right-of-way. The landscaped area shall contain organic and/or combined man-made/organic features as berms, brick walls and dense 0 The site will maintain a forty (40) foot landscape area exclusive of the right of way. The screening of the parking area will be consistent with screening requirements of the Overlay. A berm, wall or dense plantings will be provided within October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -7119-A plantings such that vehicular use areas areae front yard landscape area. screened when viewed from an elevation of forty-two (42) inches above the elevation of the adjacent street. Alternative screening methods and designs must be approved by the plans review specialist. Appeals from the staff will be directed to the planning commission. Within the landscaped area trees shall be planted or be existing at least every twenty (20) feet and have a minimum of two (2) inches in diameter when measured twelve (12) inches from the ground at time of planting. Where a developer demonstrates that this requirement will constitute an undue hardship, a landscaped area exclusive of right-of-way may consist of a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet. In those instances only, a half -berm shall be constructed which is a minimum of three (3) feet in height with tree plantings as required herein; provided however, that this provision may only be applied to a maximum of twenty (20) percent of the highway frontage affected in the plans submitted. Rear and side yards shall have a landscaped buffer averaging a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from the property line. Where such yards abut a street right-of- way, a fifteen -foot landscaped strip shall be required adjacent to land zoned office and residential. A seven -foot landscaped strip shall be required when adjacent to lands zoned commercial. Signage.. Signage shall comply with the provisions of Article X of Chapter 36 of the Little Rock Code of Ordinances, except as follows: i The rear yard shall have a minimum landscape strip adjacent to the access easement of nine (9) feet, consistent with landscaping strips provided in similar type situations. Along the western perimeter, where adjacent to a street right of way, a minimum fifteen (15) foot landscape strip will be provided due to the office zoning located across the right of way of Ranch Drive. Building signage will comply with .signage allowed in Chapter 36 of the Little Rock Code of Ordinances. October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B (Cont. Commercial development signage. Signage identifying the commercial development shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height and one hundred (100) square feet in area. All signs that are ground - mounted shall be of a monument type design. These signs may be installed in the landscaped area of the front and side yards. Commercial building signage. Each separate commercial building will be allowed a single monument ground - mounted sign located on the building site or in the landscaped front yard of the commercial development. The sign shall be a maximum of six (6) feet in height and seventy-two (72) square feet in area. Curb cuts. Maximum, one (1) curb cut per three hundred (300) feet and no curb cut closer to an intersection than one hundred (100) feet. Lighting. Parking lot lighting shall be designed and located in such manner so as not to disturb the scenic appearance preserved in this corridor. Lighting should be directed to the parking areas and not reflected into the adjacent neighborhoods. FILE NO.: Z -7119-A The development is proposed with a single ground mounted monument style sign located within the front yard landscape area. The sign will be a maximum of six feet in height and a maximum sign area of seventy-two square feet. The development will utilize electronic signage. The development will utilize an existing curb cut from Cantrell Road. This curb cut is a service and access easement serving additional lots within this commercial development. Lighting shall comply with the DOD standards. Lighting will be directed to the parking areas and not reflect into the adjacent neighborhoods. Building sites. The maximum number of 'The site contains 1.67 acres, buildings per commercial development building proposed on this tract, shall be measured both by minimum tract size and minimum frontage as follows: One (1) building every two (2) acres. I There is one Commercial developments and multiple A single building is proposed on this site. building sites. In the case of a commercial The Ranch - Development has been development or other development developing with commercial and office involving multiple building sites, whether uses through a unified development plan on one (1) or more platted lots, the above established by the previous zoning. described regulations shall apply to the 10 October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B Cont. FILE NO.: Z -7119-A development as an entire tract rather than to each platted lot. Developments of this type shall be reviewed by the City through a site plan review process which illustrates compliance with this article. Property, due to topography, size, irregular The request is to rezone the property from shapes or other constraints, such as PD -O to PD -C to allow the construction of' adjacent structures or features which a new USA Drug Store. The development significantly affect visibility, and thus is proposed as a PD -C due to the existing cannot be developed without violating the lot size. standards of this article shall be reviewed through the planned unit development (PUD) section of the zoning ordinance, with the intent to devise a workable development plan which is consistent with the purpose and intent of the overlay standards. Staff is generally supportive of the request. The development of the site is indicated as meeting the spirit and intent of the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. Staff feels the developers have done an adequate job in addressing the items regulated within the Overlay. To staff's knowledge there are no outstanding technical issues associated with the request in need of addressing. Staff is not however supportive of allowing the development to utilize electronic signage. Although there have been a number of electronic signs approved along the Corridor, staff does not feel the placement of electronic signage on the Corridor preserves the scenic beauty as intended in the Highway 10 DOD. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the request as filed. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JUNE 11, 2009) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had requested on June 4, 2009, the item be deferred to the July 23, 2009, public hearing. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. 11 October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B Cont. FILE NO.: Z -7119 - There was no further discussion of the item. The Chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the Consent Agenda for deferral. The motion carried by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. STAFF UPDATE: There has been no change to the application request since the previous staff write-up. Staff continues to not support the applicant's request to allow electronic signage for this development. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JULY 23, 2009) The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating on July 20, 2009, the applicant had requested the item be deferred to the September 3, 2009, public hearing. Staff stated the deferral request would require a waiver of the Commission's By-laws with regard to the late deferral request. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for a waiver of the By-laws with regard to the late deferral request. The motion carried by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. The chair entertained a motion for placement of the item on the consent agenda for deferral as recommended by staff. The motion carried by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. STAFF UPDATE: There has been no change to the application request since the previous staff write-up. Staff continues to not support the applicant's request to allow electronic signage for this development. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (SEPTEMBER 3, 2009) Mr. Joe White of White Daters and Associates was present representing the request. There were noregistered objectors present. Staff presented the item stating the applicant had submitted a request dated August 25, 2009, requesting a deferral of the item to the October 15, 2009, public hearing. Staff stated the Commission's By-laws typically allowed for two (2) deferrals without a waiver of the Commission's By-laws to 12 October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B Cont. FILE NO.: Z -7119-A allow for an additional deferral. Staff stated the deferral request would require a waiver of the Commission's By-laws with regard to the number of deferrals previously approved. Staff stated they were supportive of the deferral request. There was no further discussion of the item. The chair entertained a motion for approval of the By-law waiver regarding the number of previously approved deferrals. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. The chair entertained a motion for approval of the item as presented by staff. The motion carried by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff requesting a development sign for the Dogwood Crossing shopping center in addition to the ground sign proposed for the USA Drug store. The sign is proposed within a sign easement located near the intersection of Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive. The sign is proposed consistent with Commercial Development signage allowed per the Highway 10 Design Overlay District or a maximum of ten feet in height and one hundred square feet in area. The development sign is not proposed with an electronic reader board. Staff is supportive of the development sign as proposed. Staff continues to not support the entire application as filed. The remaining issue associated with the request and staff's non-support of the application is USA Drug's request to be allowed an electronic reader board on the proposed USA Drug sign. The sign is proposed with a maximum height of six feet and a maximum sign area of seventy-two square feet as allowed per the Overlay. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (OCTOBER 15, 2009) The applicant was present. There was a registered objector present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of denial. Staff stated the applicant had submitted a revised site plan to staff requesting a development sign for the Dogwood Crossing Shopping Center in addition to the ground sign proposed for the USA Drug store. Staff stated the Dogwood Crossing Shopping Center development sign was proposed within a sign easement located near the intersection of Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive. Staff stated the sign was proposed consistent with commercial development signage allowed per the Highway 10 Design Overlay District or a maximum of ten feet in height and one hundred square feet in area. Staff stated the development sign was not proposed with an electronic reader board. Staff stated they were supportive of the Dogwood Crossing Shopping Center development sign as proposed. 13 October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: 8 Cont. FILE NO.: Z -7119-A Staff stated they continued to not support the entire application as filed. Staff stated the issue associated with the request which had not gained staff's support was the request to allow USA Drug to have an electronic reader board on their proposed sign. Staff stated the sign was proposed with a maximum height of six feet and a maximum sign area of seventy-two square feet as allowed per the Overlay. Mr. Joe Courtright, CEO of USA Drug, was present representing the request. He stated USA Drug was located in several states and in 50 cities. He stated in Arkansas USA Drug employed approximately 1,500 persons. He stated the request for the reader board was one of fairness. He stated his chief competitor was Wal -Greens. He stated Wal -greens store was iocated just blocks from the proposed USA Drug and was developed with a reader sign. He stated all USA Drug was asking for was equal ground. He stated the sign proposed for USA Drug was a six foot by twelve foot sign with the reader incorporated into the sign area. He stated the need for the electronic sign was to allow USA Drug to compete with the neighboring business. Ms. Ruth Bell, League of Women Voters, addressed the Commission in opposition. She stated the League felt the Highway 10 Corridor was important to preserve. She stated the DOD was specific on signage and the purpose and intent of the DOD was to limit inappropriate signs. She stated electronic signs were also a hazard to drivers. Ms. Bell requested the Commission support staff and deny the request. Commissioner Nunnley questioned Mr_ Courtright as to the company's future plans for constructing a store in the inner City. Mr. Courtright stated there was a store on 12"' Street and the company was exploring options for construction of a store on South Main Street. There was a general discussion by the Commission as to whether the DOD regulated and/or prohibited electronic signage. Staff stated the DOD did not prohibit electronic signage. Staff stated the sign regulations referenced in the DOD related to style of signs and maximum sign area. Staff stated the remaining signage was to comply with the City's Sign Ordinance. Staff stated in the City's Sign Ordinance there were provisions for allowing electronic signage. Staff stated their reason for non-support of the electronic sign was that they did not feel electronic signage met the character and intent section of the Highway 10 DOD. Staff stated the purpose of establishing the district was to protect and enhance the aesthetic and visual character of lands surrounding Highway 10. Staff stated they did not feel electronic signage met this goal. There was a general discussion by the Commission as to fairness and equity. A Commissioner stated at what point do you no longer allow electronic signs. Commissioner Nunnley stated he understood staff's position but also understood the applicant's position. A Commissioner stated with the previous approval of ten to fifteen 14 October 15, 2009 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: B(Cont.)FILE NO.: Z -7119-A signs precedent had been set. Deputy City Attorney Cindy Dawson stated the Commission by its actions did not set precedent but was to review each item on its owns merits on a case by case basis. A motion was made to approve the request. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 1 noes and 2 absent. `F ITFAA Nn - R NAME: USA Drug - the Ranch - Short -form PD -C Z- 7119-A LOCATION: located on the Northeast corner of Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive Plannina Staff Comments: 1. Provide notification of all property owners located within 200 feet of the site, complete with the certified abstract list, notice form with affidavit executed and proof of mailing. The notice must be mailed no later than May 27, 2009. The Office of Planning and Development must receive the proof of notice no later than June 5, 2009. 2. The site is located within the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The Overlay regulates landscape strips, building setbacks, lighting, signage and minimum parcel size. 3. The site is an existing platted lot containing 1.67 acres. The final plat was executed February 20, 2002. 4. The site plan indicates the placement of a ground mounted sign located on the common drive on the eastern boundary. The site plan indicates maximum size allowed per ordinance. The Overlay allows a maximum sign height for a single building of six feet and seventy-two square feet in area. Please place this note on the site plan. 5. Will electronic signage be used as a part of the signage plan? If so provide a note on the site plan indicating the utilization of electronic signage. Provide details of the proposed electronic sign including the total height and area of the electronic sign. 6. The site plan indicates the placement of a dumpster along the common drive and access easement. The plan does not include a note concerning screening or does the site plan indicated the hours of dumpster service. Note #3 in the General Notes Section of the site plan states the development will utilize City trash service. This is not an option for a commercial development. 7. The site plan indicates a single -story building with a maximum building height of 35 - feet. The height seams excessive for a single story building. 8. The site plan indicates the mechanical equipment located within the landscape strip along the north. The minimum landscape strip in this area is nine feet. 9. The Highway 10 DOD requires a minimum landscape strip of 40 feet along Cantrell Road, 15 feet along Ranch Drive and nine feet abutting the common drives and access easements. 10. Parking lot lighting must be designed and located in such a manner so as not to disturb the scenic appearance preserved in the corridor. Lighting shall be directed to the parking areas and not reflect into the adjacent neighborhoods. 11. Will the site utilize a double drive-thru pick-up window? If so speakers shall comply with Section 36-298 of the zoning ordinance. 12. The site plan indicates the days and hours of operation from 6 am to 11 pm daily. 13. Provide the 40 -foot buffer on the site plan and remove the 50 -foot buffer indicated. Item # 8. 14.The Highway 10 DOD requires the placement of a 40 -foot rear yard building setback. The site plan as indicated does not meet this typical minimum requirement. Staff suggests the building be "shortened" to allow for additional landscaping and building setback in this area. Variance/Waivers: None requested. Public Warks Conditions: 1. Cantrell Road is classified on the Master Street Plan as a principal arterial. Dedication of right-of-way to 55 feet from centerline will be required. 2. Sidewalks with appropriate handicap ramps are required in accordance with Section 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan. Sidewalks are required to be installed adjacent to Cantrell Road and Ranch Drive. 3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right- of-way prior to occupancy. 4. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted for approval prior to start of work. Obtain barricade permit prior to doing any work in the right-of-way from Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1805 (Travis Herbner). 5. Obtain permits for improvements within State Highway right-of-way from AHTD, District VI. 6. Stormwater detention ordinance applies to this property. 7. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES stormwater permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the start of construction. 8. On site striping and signage plans should be forwarded to Public Works, Traffic Engineering for approval with the site development package. 9. Streetlights are required by Section 31-403 of the Little Rock code. Provide plans for approval to Traffic Engineering. Streetlights must be installed prior to platting/certificate of occupancy. Contact Traffic Engineering 379-1813 (Steve Philpott) for more information. 10. Obtain a franchise agreement from Public Works (Bennie Nicolo, 371-4818) for the private improvements located in the right-of-way. Utilities and Fire Department/County Planning: Wastewater: Sewer available to this project. Entergy: No comment received. Center -Point Ener : No comment received. AT & T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. A Capital Investment Charge based on the size of the meter connection(s) will apply to this project in addition to normal charges. This fee will apply to all meter connections including any metered connections off the private fire system. Due to the nature of this facility, installation of an approved reduced pressure zone backflow preventer assembly (RPZ) is required on the domestic Item # 8. water service. This assembly must be installed prior to the first point of use. Central Arkansas Water (CAW) requires that upon installation of the RPZA, successful tests of the assembly must be completed by a Certified Assembly Tester licensed by the State of Arkansas and approved by CAW. The test results must be sent to CAW's Cross Connection Section within ten days of installation and annually thereafter. Contact the Cross Connection Section at 377-1226 if you would like to discuss backflow prevention requirements for this project. The Little Rock Fire Department needs to evaluate this site to determine whether additional public and/or private fire hydrant(s) will be required. If additional fire hydrant(s) are required, they will be installed at the Developer's expense. Please submit plans for water facilities and/or fire protection system to Central Arkansas Water for review. Plan revisions may be required after additional review. Contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for installation of water facilities and/or fire service. Approval of plans by the Arkansas Department of Health Engineering Division and Little Rock Fire Department is required. Fire sprinkler systems which do not contain additives such as antifreeze shall be isolated with a double detector check valve assembly. If additives are used, a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer shall be required. Fire Department: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department for additional information. County Plannin : No comment. CATA: The site is located on CATA Bus Route #25 — the Highway 10 Express Route Planning Division: This request is located in the Pinnacle Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Commercial for this property. The applicant has applied for a Planned Development -Commercial to allow construction of a pharmacy. The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Cantrell Road is a Principal Arterial. The primary function of a Principal Arterial is to serve through traffic and to connect major traffic generators or activity centers within urbanized areas. Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on Cantrell Road since it is a Principal Arterial. Ranch Road is a Local Street. The primary function of a Local Street is to provide access to adjacent properties. Local Streets which are abutted by non- residential zoning/use or more intensive zoning than duplexes are considered as "Commercial Streets". These streets have a design standard the same as a Collector. These streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street improvements for entrances and exits to the site. Bicycle Plan: There are no bike routes shown in the immediate vicinity. Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is not covered by a Neighborhood Action Plan Landscape: Item # 8, 1. The site plan must comply with the City'' landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. 2. The landscape ordinance requires a nine foot (9') wide landscape strip along the northern property line. The landscape area is to have zero hardscaping. For any lesser amount a variance from the City Beautiful Commission must be obtained prior to the issuance of a building permit. 3. The landscape ordinance requires a minimum of eight percent (8%) of the paved areas be landscaped with interior islands of at least seven and one-half feet (7'/z') in width and 150 square feet in area. These interior islands are to evenly distributed throughout the site. 4. A small amount of building landscaping will be required in conjunction with this request. 5. This site is located along Arkansas Highway 10; therefore, related to development standards of the Overlay the following are required: a. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required. b. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, it will be necessary to provide an approved landscape plan stamped with the seal of a Registered Landscape Architect. 6. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing trees as feasible on this site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger. Revised plat/plan: Submit four (4) copies of a revised preliminary plat/plan (to include the additional information as noted above) to staff on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Item # 8.