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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7156 Staff AnalysisMarch 25, 2002 ITEM NO.: 10 File No.. Owner: Address: Description: Zoned: Variance Requested: Justification: Present Use of Property: Proposed Use of Property: STAFF REPORT A. Public Works Issues: Z-7156 Country Club Station Realty 2010 N. Van Buren Street Lot 14, Block 26, Newton's Addition C-3 A variance is requested from the area regulations of Section 36- 301 to permit a building addition with a reduced side yard setback, and which extends into the public right-of-way. The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter. Restaurant Restaurant 1. Property frontage needs to have the sidewalks and ramps brought up to the current ADA standards. 2. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. B. Staff Analysis: The property at 2010 N. Van Buren Street is zoned C-3 and contains a commercial building, with off-street parking along the building's north side. Cheers In The Heights Restaurant is located in the northeast corner of the existing building. There is a patio area for outside seating (approximately 16 feet by 20 feet) located at the northeast corner of the building, March 25, 2002 Item No.: 10 between the building and Van Buren Street. The outside patio area is located within the street right-of-way, as the east wall of the commercial building is located on the property line. The applicant, Cheers In The Heights, is requesting a variance from the area regulations of Section 36-301 to permit the construction of an awning extending from the east wall of the building over the existing patio area. The proposed awning addition would extend over the property line and into the public right-of-way. According to the City's Zoning Ordinance Section 36- 301(e) (2) , the minimum side yard setback along the Van, Buren Street property line is 25 feet. Staff does not support the side yard setback variance. As of this writing, staff is unsure how or if the applicant received approval to place the patio area in the public right-of-way in the first place. The proposed awning addition would extend approximately 12 feet into the required Master Street Plan right-of-way for Van Buren Street. Staff feels that the proposed awning addition would further congest a very busy intersection (Van Buren Street and Kavanaugh Blvd.) and could create safety concerns. C. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends denial of the requested side yard setback variance. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (MARCH 25, 2002) Robert Cortinez and Chuck Presler were present, representing the application. There were no persons present in opposition. Staff presented the item and a recommendation of denial. Robert Cortinez addressed the Board in support of the application. He explained the requested variance. He presented photos of the property to the Board and explained. He noted that the safety concerns expressed by staff were minimal. He stated that the patio cover would actually make the area safer. He noted that the patio area was constructed in 1996, and presented police accident reports 2 March 25, 2002 Item No.: 10 for the area. He also noted that the patio area aided the handicapped customers and explained. Andrew Francis asked what the height of the awning would be. Mr. Cortinez explained that it would be twelve (12) feet in height. Mr. Francis asked if the awning would extend past the existing patio area. Mr. Cortinez responded that it would not. Vice -Chairman Gray asked what type of supporting structure the awning would have. Mr. Cortinez presented the Board with photos and explained. Vice -Chairman Gray asked if the restaurant had trouble with handicap accessibility. Chuck Presler responded that they did not have a problem with serving handicapped customers. In response to a question from Chairman Ruck, Mr. Presler noted that the awning structure would not be enclosed. Vice -Chairman Gray asked how the existing patio area was approved. Staff noted that there was not a franchise for the patio and that it would be -.considered nonconforming based on the fact that it had existed for over a year. Steve Haralson, of Public Works, noted that there were no plans to widen Van Buren Street. There was a motion to approve the application subject to the following conditions: 1. Compliance with the Public Works requirements as noted in paragraph A. of this report. 2. A franchise must be obtained for the covered patio area. 3. The canopy must remain unenclosed on the north, south and east sides. The motion was briefly discussed. Staff noted that Public Works requirement #2 would apply to this application. The motion passed by a vote of 4 ayes and 1 nay. The application was approved. 3