HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7390 Staff AnalysisApril 28, 2003
ITEM NO.: 11
File No.: Z-7390
Owner: Walter Hussman
Address: 500 President Clinton Avenue
Description: Northeast corner of President Clinton
Avenue and St. Vincent Plaza
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: Variances are requested from Sections 36-
353 and 36-357 to allow a new awning and
awning signage, which does not conform to
the River Market Design Overlay District
standards.
Justification:
Present Use of Property:
Proposed Use of Property:
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments.
B. Staff Analysis:
The applicant's justification is presented in
an attached letter.
Mixed Use
Mixed Use (new restaurant)
The UU zoned property at 500 President Clinton Avenue is occupied by
the existing Museum Center building. A new restaurant (Boscos) will
occupy Suite 105 of the building, which is at the building's northwest
corner. Boscos Restaurant proposes to install a new retractable awning
over the outside dining area along the north side of the building. The
awning will have an 11 foot projection from the building and a clearance of
8 feet. It will be motor driven and have wind sensors, which will
automatically withdraw the canopy in the event of potentially damaging
winds.
April 28, 2003
Item No.: 11 (Cont.)
The restaurant is also proposing to place two (2) signs on the existing
canopy which is on the west side of the building over the entrance. The
signs will be located on the west and south sides of the canopy and total
approximately 29 square feet. The proposed sign graphics are attached
for Board of Adjustment review.
Section 36-357(c)(1) of the City's zoning ordinance requires retractable
canvas awnings in the River Market District to extend no more than five
(5) feet from the building and maintain a clearance of nine (9) feet.
Additionally, Section 36-353(a)(2)d. of the ordinance requires that awning
signs not exceed six (6) square feet per awning. Therefore, the applicant
is requesting variances from these ordinance standards.
The River Market Design Review Committee reviewed and approved the
requested variances on April 16, 2003. A copy of the DRC's approval
letter is attached. Therefore, staff will support the DRC's decision and
recommend approval of the requested variances. Staff feels that the
variances associated with the retractable awning are reasonable, based
on the fact that the awning is located over an outdoor dining area and not
a public right-of-way. Therefore, there should be no pedestrian circulation
issues. Staff has also received written approval from the Little Rock Fire
Department for the proposed awning, as the property is in the fire district.
Staff also recommends approval of the variance associated with the
proposed awning signage. These awning signs will be the principal signs
identifying the business. The only other possible sign will be located on
the entry door. Staff feels that the variances as requested are reasonable
and will have no adverse impact on the adjacent properties or the River
Market District.
C. Staff Recommendations:
Staff recommends approval of the requested variances, subject to the
following conditions:
1. A building permit must be obtained for the awning installation.
2. A sign permit must be obtained for each sign.
3. The retractable awning must not extend more than 11 feet from the
building and must maintain a minimum clearance of 8 feet over the
outdoor dining area.
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April 28, 2003
Item No.: 11 (Cont.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (APRIL 28, 2003)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented
the item and a recommendation of approval.
The applicant offered no additional comments.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved as recommended by
staff by a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays.
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