HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7605-C Staff AnalysisFILE NO.: Z -7605-C
NAME: Chenonceau Commercial Lots 1 and 2 Short -form PCD
LOCATION: Located on the Southeast corner of Cantrell Road and
Chenonceau Boulevard
DEVELOPER:
Orion Capital Partners
2200 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 206
Little Rock, AR 72212
ENGINEER:
White Daters and Associates
24 Rahling Circle
Little Rock, AR 72223
AREA: 3.19 acres
CURRENT ZONING
ALLOWED USES
NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF
C-3, General Commercial District
General Commercial
PROPOSED ZONING: PCD
PROPOSED USE: C-3, General Commercial District uses — Variation to the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District
VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None. requested.
BACKGROUND:
Preliminary plat containing eleven lots was approved by the Little Rock Planning
Commission at their May 16, 1995, Public Hearing. The proposal included a
commercial and office subdivision on a 16.66 -acre tract. The site has frontages on both
Cantrell Road and Chenonceau Boulevard. One interior cul-de-sac street,
approximately 500 feet in length was proposed within the subdivision. Lots ranged in
size from 0.8 acres to 2.14 acres, with the average lot size being 1.44 acres. The Final
Plat for Lot 1 was executed on January 29, 1996. The Final Plat for Lot 2 was executed
on December 19, 2003. The remaining lots have not been final platted.
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
On April 22, 2004, the Little Rock Planning Commission approved a site plan review to
allow the construction of two buildings on this site, which was previously final platted as
two lots. The lots were final platted consistent with the Highway 10 Design Overlay
District with regard to lot size and building setbacks. The approval allowed the
construction of a 2,700 square foot bank building located on the corner of Cantrell Road
and Chenonceau Boulevard on Lot 1 and the construction of a retail building containing
12,000 square feet on Lot 2. The retail building was situated where it crossed the lot
line requiring the applicant to seek a multiple building site plan review. The site plan
included the development of 120 parking spaces to serve the development.
The commercial building on Lot 2 has been constructed. The bank branch on Lot 1 has
not been constructed.
A. PROPOSAUREQUEST:
The applicant is now proposing a rezoning of the site from C-3, General
Commercial District to PCD to allow a revision to the previously final platted lots
and to allow the development of the site with a new drive-through restaurant.
Lot 1R is proposed adjacent to Cantrell Road containing 1.45 acres. The
building proposed for Lot 1R will contain 3,900 square feet of gross floor area.
The lot is proposed containing 53 parking spaces.
Lot 2R will be incorporated into the PCD. The building located on Lot 2R exists
including the drives and parking. The building presently contains 12,000 square
feet and the site contains 93 parking spaces. Lot 2R contains 1.74 acres.
The development is proposed meeting the Highway 10 Design Overlay District
requirements with the exception of the 2 -acre minimum lot size requirement or
the requirement for a single building per two acres.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
The commercial portion of the development has been constructed and a portion
of the corner lot has been graded. The property to the east is development as an
office development through a POD. Two office buildings have been constructed,
one occupied and one vacant, and a branch bank has been constructed adjacent
to Cantrell Road. The area to the south of this site is vacant and zoned C-3,
General Commercial District. To the southeast is a single-family subdivision,
Chevaux Court. Across Chenonceau Boulevard at the intersection with Cantrell
Road is property zoned C-3, General Commercial District. The property
immediately south of the C-3, General Commercial District zoned property is
zoned 0-3, General Office District. Both properties are vacant of structures.
North of the site, across Cantrell Road, is the Ranch Development. The area is
developing as a mixed use development with office and commercial uses.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
As of this writing, staff has received several informational phone calls from area
property owners. All property owners located within 200 feet of the site, all
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
residents, who could be identified, located within 300 feet of the site the
Aberdeen Court Property Owners Association, the Bayonne Place Property
Owners Association, the Johnson Ranch _Neighborhood Association and the
Chevaux Court Property Owners Association were notified of the Public Hearing.
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS:
PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS:
1. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the
public right-of-way prior to occupancy.
2. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property. Show the proposed
location for storm water detention facilities on the plan.
3. Per the Master Street Plan, 3 lanes shown should be designed on
Chenonceau Boulevard; 1- left, 1-thru, and 1 -right. Modifications should be
made to the median to provide for this design. Please contact Bill Henry,
Traffic Engineering, at 379-1816 for additional information.
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. Coordinate design of traffic signal upgrade with proposed street
improvements. Plans to be forwarded to Traffic Engineering for approval.
6. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water
permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the
start of construction.
E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING:
Wastewater: Sewer available to this property.
Entergy: No comment received.
Center -Point Ener : No comment received.
AT & T: No comment received.
Central Arkansas Water: A 15 -foot wide easement will be required, 7.5 feet on
both sides of the existing water main adjacent to the south side of Cantrell Road.
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.
Additional fire hydrant(s) may be required. Contact the Little Rock Fire
Department to obtain information regarding the required placement of the
hydrant(s) and contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for
installation of the hydrant(s).
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FILE NO.: Z -7605-C Cont.
Fire Department- Verify with Central Arkansas Water the shared private fire
hydrant agreement. Contact Central Arkansas Water at 377-1225.
County Planning: No comment.
CATA: The site is not located on a dedicated CATA Bus Route.
F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN:
Planning Division: This request is located in the Chenal Planning District. The
Land Use Plan shows Commercial for this property. The applicant has applied
for a Planned Commercial Development to allow the construction of a new
restaurant with a drive through window. The proposed development is proposed
with a variation to the Highway 10 Design Overlay District to allow the creation of
a lot with less than the two acre typical minimum lot size per the Overlay District.
The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan
Master Street Plan: Cantrell Road is shown as 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. Chenonceau
Boulevard is shown as a Minor Arterial. A Minor Arterial provides connections to
and through an urban area and their primary function is to provide short distance
travel within the urbanized area. Entrances and exits should be limited to
minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on these streets, and these
streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street
improvements for entrances and exits to the site.
Bicycle Plan: A Class III bike route is shown along Chenonceau Boulevard. A
Class III bikeway is a signed route on a street shared with traffic. No additional
paving or right-of-way is required. Class III bicycle route signage may be
required.
Neighborhood. Action Plan: This area is not covered by a City of Little Rock
Neighborhood Action Plan.
Landscape:
1. Site plan must comply with the City's landscape and buffer ordinance
requirements and the Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
2. It appears the parking lot is also encroaching into the forty -foot (40')
landscape strip along Highway 10.
3. One additional island is needed along the parking area, adjacent to
Highway 10.
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FILE NO.: Z -7605-C Cont.)
4. Screening of the parking areas is required along Highway 10.
5. The striped areas shown can be changed to green spaces. This allows for
more permeable surface areas thus less run-off.
6. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required.
7. 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.
8. 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: (April 17, 2008)
Mr. Joe White of White Daters and Associates was present representing the
request. Staff provided an overview of the proposed development stating the
developers were seeking a rezoning of the site from C-3, General Commercial
District to PCD to allow for the development of this 3+ acre site with two
buildings. Staff stated the Highway 10 Overlay typically required a minimum lot
size of two acres and the development of one building per two acres. Staff
requested Mr. White provide the proposed signage including building signage
and ground mounted signage. Staff stated the parking along the eastern
perimeter appeared to encroach into the 40 -foot landscape strip as typically
required per the Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the storm water detention
ordinance would apply to development of the site. Staff also stated any plans for
construction in the right of way would require approval by staff prior to beginning
construction. Staff stated Chenonceau Boulevard would require widening to
three lanes along the sites western perimeter. Staff stated one left, one through
and one right lane would be required.
Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated screening of the parking
area along Cantrell Road was required and questioned the mechanism the
developer would employee to provide the required screening. Staff stated the
site would require a landscape plan stamped with the seal of a registered
landscape architect.
Staff noted comments from the various other reporting departments and
agencies. There was no further discussion of the item. The Committee then
forwarded the item to the full Commission for final action.
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FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
H. ANALYSIS:
The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing most of the issues
raised at the April 17, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised site
plan indicates signage to comply with the Highway 10 Design Overlay District,
building signage to comply with signage typically allowed in commercial zones
and indicated the parking within the front yard does not encroach into the 40 -foot
landscape strip.
The site is currently zoned C-3, General Commercial District and is located in an
area covered by the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The developers are
requesting a rezoning of the site from C-3, General Commercial District to PCD
to allow a variation in the typical overlay standard. The variation being requested
is to allow the creation of lots less than the two (2) acre typical minimum
ordinance standard or to allow the construction of two (2) buildings on less than
four (4) acres. Below is a listing of the Overlay requirements and the applicant's
proposal related to each of the items.
Highway 10 DOD Requirements:
Applicant's proposal:
Lot 1 R contains 1.45 acres
Lot size. There shall be a minimum
development tract size of not less than two
Lot 2R contains 1.74 acres
(2) acres.
Variation from the Overlay Standard.
The building line is indicated in excess of
Front yard. All principal and accessory
buildings or structures are required to have
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 set in excess of the 40 -foot
than forty (40) feet.
rear yard setback.
The side yard is setback in excess of the
Side yard. Side yard shall not be less than
thirty (30) feet.
30 -foot side yard setback.
Landscaping treatment. Landscaped
areas shall attempt to incorporate existing
on-site trees and shrubbery into the
No trees located on site.
landscaping scheme and the plans shall
indicate such incorporation.
1
Landscaped areas shall have water
All landscaped areas will have sprinkler
sprinkler systems to maintain plant
systems installed.
materials.
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FILE NO.: Z-7605-C(Cont.)
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
twenty-five (25) feet from the property line.
Where such yards abut a street right-of-
way, a fifteen -foot landscaped strip shall
be reauired adiacent to land zoned office
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All erosion controls of the City will be
followed.
Tree species planted will be consistent
with outer species located in the area.
The front yard is indicated with a minimum
landscape area of 40 -feet exclusive of the
right of way.
The landscaped area will contain organic
and/or man-made/organic features such
as a berm to screen the vehicular use
areas as typically required per the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
The western side yard shall have a
landscape strip averaging a minimum of
25 -feet from the property line. The eastern
and rear property lines are located
adjacent to an access easement which
typically does not require the placement of
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C Cont.
and residential. A seven -foot
strip shall be required when
lands zoned commercial.
landscaped landscape strips.
adjacent to
Signage. Signage shall comply with the
provisions of article X of Chapter 36 of the
Little Rock Code of Ordinances, except as
follows:
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.
Building sites. The maximum number of
buildings per commercial development
shall be measured both by minimum tract
size and minimum frontage as follows:
One (1) building every two (2) acres.
The development will not utilize a
commercial development sign. The lot will
contain a single ground mounted
monument sign with a maximum height of
the six feet and 72 square feet in area.
No new curb cuts are proposed with the
development.
Lighting shall comply with the DOD
standards. Lighting will be directed to the
parking areas and not reflect into the
adjacent neighborhoods.
The site contains 3.19 acres and is
proposed with two lots and a single
building on each of the lots. The proposed
development is not meeting this typical
overlay standard.
Variation from the Overlay Standard.
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Co
Commercial developments and multiple
building sites. In the case of a commercial
development or other development
involving multiple building sites, whether
on one (1) or more platted lots, the above
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 site from C-3,
shapes or other constraints, such as
General Commercial District to PCD to
adjacent structures or features which
allow the creation of lots less than the two
significantly affect visibility, and thus
(2) acre typical minimum lot size
cannot be developed without violating the
requirement.
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.
The site plan indicates the placement of 15,900 square feet of building area. The
proposed uses are the allowable uses per the C-3, General Commercial Zoning
District. The site plan indicates the placement of 145 parking spaces. There are
108 parking spaces located on the site and an additional 37 spaces will be
provided with the new construction. Based on the typically minimum parking
requirements for a shopping center and a restaurant use 92 parking spaces
would typically be required.
The site plan indicates the placement of 11.4 percent of the site covered with
buildings, 34.5 percent landscaped and 54.1 percent paved. The site lighting will
be consistent with lighting per the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. All
lighting will be directed downward and into the site not over spilling to the
adjacent residential properties.
The site plan indicates the dumpster service hours will be limited to 7:00 am to
5:00 pm. The dumpster is located near the rear of the building and will be
screened per the typical ordinance standards. Staff recommends the dumpster
screening construction be of similar materials as the building. The developer
has indicated the site will not have 24-hour activity. The proposed hours of
operation are from 5:00 am to 2:00 am seven days per week.
The site is zoned C-3, General Commercial District which would allow for the
construction of a restaurant on the site. The lots were previously final platted
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FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
containing the existing 3.19 acres. There is an existing strip retail center located
on one of the proposed lots with the lot line dissecting the building. The request
for a rezoning is to recognize the existing conditions on the site, clean up the lot
configuration and allow for the construction of a new building.
Staff is supportive of the request. Although the site is not meeting the entirety of
the Overlay requirements, the site is in staffs opinion is meeting the intent of the
Overlay. The proposed use is consistent with uses as allowed in the current
zoning district. Staff does not feel the variation to allow the replatting of the two
(2) lots as proposed containing less than the typical two (2) acre minimum will
significantly impact the development or the area.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the
comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda
staff report.
Staff recommends the dumpster screening be consistent with the construction
materials of the building.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MAY 8, 2008)
The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff stated on
April 28, 2008, the applicant had requested deferral of the item to the August 7, 2008,
Commission meeting. Staff stated the applicant had notify the Neighborhood
Associations of the deferral request providing the date and time of the future public
hearing. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the deferral request.
There was no further discussion of the item. The commission voted to approve the item
for deferral on the consent agenda by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent.
STAFF UPDATE:
The applicant has met with the area neighborhood associations as indicated in the
previous deferral. There are no changes proposed for the site plan. Staff continues to
recommend approval of the request.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (AUGUST 7, 2008)
Mr. Tim Daters and Mr. JC Hosel were present representing the request. There were
registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of
approval of the request.
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FILE NO.: Z -7505-C (Cont.
Mr. Tim Daters of White Daters and Associates addressed the Commission on the
technical issues of the development. He stated the development containing 3.12 acres
and was proposed as a two lot PCD. He stated 34.5 percent of the site would be
landscaped. Mr. Daters stated the property was zoned C-3, General Commercial. He
stated the site did share cross access with the property located immediately to the east.
Mr. JC Hossel addressed the Commission. He stated the development was proposed
as a fast food restaurant, a McDonalds. He stated the signage would be limited to a
ground mounted sign. No electronic messaging was proposed. He stated the site
would not operate 24 hours but would operate from 5 am to 2 am seven days per week.
He stated elevations with proposed material had been provided to the Commission. He
stated the site would require approval by the Chenal Design Review Committee. He
stated the building construction would not be metal but some form of brick or
combination of comparable material.
Ms. Sandra Palmer addressed the Commission in opposition. She stated she was
president of the Chevaux Neighborhood Association and the neighborhoods was very
much opposed to the request. She stated there were 96 homes in the neighborhood
with 155 residents. She stated of the residents she had a petition with 145 names in
opposition of the request. She stated the neighborhood did not need a drive-thru
restaurant next door to their quiet neighborhood. She stated there was a similar fast
food restaurant located in the Wal-Mart, two miles down the road. She stated if the
development did not fit the City and developers should not force the development to
occur. She stated the neighborhood was concerned with the volume of traffic, the trash
generated from the site, the noise, light pollution and the safety of the patrons of the
neighborhood and the drive-thru restaurant. She stated the sign proposed was six feet
high. She stated the sign would be located on a five to ten foot embankment resulting
in a fifteen foot tall sign.
Ms. Palmer stated a McDonalds was not what Chenal Valley wanted marking the
entrance to their neighborhood. She stated the hours of operation were a concern. She
stated once the approval to allow the restaurant to operate from 5 am to 2 am was
approved the owners would be back requesting an extension of the hours. She stated
the existing restaurant closed at 9:00 pm. She stated the hours should match the
existing uses in the area.
Ms. Palmer stated light pollution was also a concern. She stated the office development
located to the north of their subdivision had been raised to a height that the
development was towering over their homes. She stated with the filling and the
placement of light poles 20 to 25 feet high the lighting for the office development spilled
onto the adjacent site and into their back yards.
She stated a new commercial building was not needed. She questioned why the
restaurant could not retro fit the Catfish City building for their use.
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FILE NO.: Z -7505-C (Cont.
The Commission questioned if the opposition was to the use or to the placement of two
buildings on less than four acres. Ms. Palmer stated the neighborhood did not want a
fast food restaurant at the entrance to their neighborhood.
Mr. Edward Oglesby addressed the Commission in opposition. He stated he was
representing the Aberdeen Court Property Owners Association. He stated there were
199 homes in the neighborhood and a pole of the residents had been taken and the
neighborhood was not in support of the restaurant. He stated the neighborhood was
opposed to a fast food restaurant on the corner. He stated the volume of traffic and the
speed of traffic was a concern. He stated there were also concerns with turning
movements from this site and the bank located to the north. He stated the drives
aligned and traffic traveling east bound wanting to enter the bank was at odds with
motorist wanting to turn onto Chenonceau or into this development. He stated the
Overlay had been in place for 25 plus years. He stated little by little the City had
allowed development to occur inconsistent with the Overlay standards. He stated the
neighborhood was concerned with the noise and the traffic a fast food restaurant would
generate. He stated the site was more appropriate for a quiet commercial uses and not
a business that operated from 5 am to 2 am. He stated traffic on Chenonceau backed
up at this location. He stated it was unsafe to exit onto Cantrell without waiting for the
light because of the speed of the traffic and visibility issues.
The Commission questioned if the opposition was to the use or the variance from the
Overlay standard. Mr. Oglesby stated the opposition was to the use. Commissioner
Rector stated use was not an issue before the Commission. He stated the property was
zoned C-3, General Commercial which by right allowed a drive-thru restaurant.
Mr. Oglesby stated the lot existed with two acres. He stated the drive-thru was a
concern he requested the Commission to deny the variance. He stated across Highway
10 there was an area of C-3, General Commercial zoned property. He questioned why
the development did not occur there. He stated there was not a need for a fast food
restaurant at this location. He stated the same restaurant was in the Wal-Mart just two
miles down the road. He stated the Commission had been sold a bill of goods with the
previous site plan. He stated the developers had a bank approved for the location then
came back for a restaurant once the two buildings were approved.
Mr. Frank Pohlkamp addressed the Commission in opposition. He stated he was
representing the Bayonne Place property owners association. He stated the property
owners association was totally against a McDonalds restaurant at this location. He
stated the Commission should refuse the variance request by Orion and McDonalds to
allow the development with less than the overlay standards. He stated the intersection
carried a high level of traffic and the speed of the traffic was in excess of the posted
50 mph. He stated the hours of operation would be a magnet to attract late night
undesirables to the area. He stated this would increase crime in the neighborhood and
surrounding neighborhoods and would impact property values. He stated the
neighborhood concept of livability would be violated with trash, noise and odor as well
as air pollution from vehicles idling at the drive-thru window. He stated the residents
bought homes in Bayonne Place because of the peaceful atmosphere and neat
appearance. He stated a restaurant with a drive-thru window would certainly
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FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont..-)--,-
compromise
Cont: e -
compromise the peaceful atmosphere. He stated the neighborhood did not see the
need for a restaurant of this type when just down the road at the Super Center there
was a McDonalds. He stated there were a number of other locations not adjacent to a
residential neighborhood where sites were available for a restaurant location.
Mr. Pohlkamp addressed the Commission stating he desired the Commission to
consider the neighborhoods wishes and refuse the variance to the Highway 10 Overlay
Plan. He read the Commission Mission statement stating to enhance the quality of life
for the Citizens of Little Rock by providing a Department which encourages quality
growth, development and redevelopment and the stabilization of neighborhoods through
a concentrated effort of planning, land use controls, Historic Preservation, permitting
and enforcement.
Mr. David Grace addressed the Commission in opposition of the request. He stated the
Commission had been provided letters of opposition from the Bayonne residents. He
stated the developers had filed the application in April and had not meet with the
residents until last week. He stated the request included a variance from the
Subdivision Ordinance to allow the development. He stated Orion left the lot size as
indicated which was a business decision at the time of development of the retail center
located to the south. He provided the Commission with accident reports at the
intersection from 2000. He stated since 2000 55 accidents had occurred. He stated a
number of the accidents had occurred since 2005 after the traffic signal was installed.
He stated a drive-thru in the mist of the volumes of traffic in the area was a concern. He
stated safety was not included in the staff write-up.
Ms. Ruth Bell addressed the Commission in opposition. She stated she was
representing the League of Women Voters who had taken a strong stand on the
Highway 10 Overlay and felt the plan should be upheld. She stated the variances
typically granted met the spirit of the plan. She stated many persons had bought land
and made business decision for future development based on the plan, adopted by the
City, dictating how the area would develop. She stated this was a strong reason to
uphold the DOD.
Mr. Daters stated as a part of the development a third lane would be added to
Chenonceau Boulevard. He stated this would allow a dedicated left, through and right
lane. He stated the developer would also incorporate improvements to the traffic signal.
He stated there was not a break in Chenonceau, which would allow left turns into the
site thus lessening the conflicting traffic movements.
There was a general discussion of the Commission concerning the traffic concerns and
issues raised. Staff stated the drives were located in these areas because they aligned
and the meet the spacing criteria of the ordinance. Staff stated the streets would be
constructed to Master Street Plan standard and this did include the addition of a left turn
lane on Chenonceau. The Commission questioned if the use would affect traffic
patterns in the area. Staff stated they did not feel the use would affect the traffic
patterns in the area.
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FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
Staff stated one comment had been made concerning a variance from the Subdivision
Ordinance. Staff stated this was incorrect and the variance was from the Highway 10
Overlay standards. Staff stated the lot development standards were established by the
zoning through the Overlay. Staff stated the overlay required the placement of one
building per two acres or a minimum lot size of two acres. Staff stated the Overlay
established development standards. Staff stated the Commission was charged with
determining if the development met the purpose and intent of the Overlay District. Staff
stated use was an issue the Commission could consider since the request was a
rezoning. Staff stated if approved the zoning of the property would be PCD and not the
present C-3, General Commercial District.
There was a general discussion concerning development standards and how the site
could develop. The Commission noted the remaining three corners were zoned C-3 as
was the property to the south of this site which could develop with a drive-thru
restaurant by -right with the issuance of a building permit and no review by the City
Planning Commission or Board of Directors. The Commission noted two weeks ago a
review of the Highway 10 Overlay was undertaken to determine the number of variance
request being considered in this area. It was stated Highway 10 was at the forefront of
everyone's mind. The Commission stated the Planned Development process was the
vehicle to allow development of property, which did not fully comply with the Overlay
standard regardless of the issue. The Commission noted the site was located at a
commercial node. Also noting all other corners were zoned appropriately to allow this
same type use.
A motion was made to approve the request. The motion failed by a vote of 7 ayes,
2 noes and 2 absent.
14
August 7, 2008
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
NAME: Chenonceau Commercial Lots 1 and 2 Short -form PCD
LOCATION: Located on the Southeast corner of Cantrell Road and
Chenonceau Boulevard
DEVELOPER:
Orion Capital Partners
2200 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 206
Little Rock, AR 72212
FNC;INFFR-
White Daters and Associates
24 Rahling Circle
Little Rock, AR 72223
AREA: 3.19 acres
CURREN-f ZONING
ALLOWED USES
PROPOSED ZONING
NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF
C-3, General Commercial District
General Commercial
PCD
PROPOSED USE: C-3, General Commercial District uses — Variation to the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District
VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested.
BACKGROUND:
Preliminary plat containing eleven lots was approved by the Little Rock Planning
Commission at their May 16, 1995, Public Hearing. The proposal included a
commercial and office subdivision on a 16.66 -acre tract. The site has frontages on both
Cantrell Road and Chenonceau Boulevard. One interior cul-de-sac street,
approximately 500 feet in length was proposed within the subdivision. Lots ranged in
size from 0.8 acres to 2.14 acres, with the average lot size being 1.44 acres. The Final
Plat for Lot 1 was executed on January 29, 1996. The Final Plat for Lot 2 was executed
on December 19, 2003. The remaining lots have not been final platted.
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
On April 22, 2004, the Little Rock Planning Commission approved a site plan review to
allow the construction of two buildings on this site, which was previously final platted as
two lots. The lots were final platted consistent with the Highway 10 Design Overlay
District with regard to lot size and building setbacks. The approval allowed the
construction of a 2,700 square foot bank building located on the corner of Cantrell Road
and Chenonceau Boulevard on Lot 1 and the construction of a retail building containing
12,000 square feet on Lot 2. The retail building was situated where it crossed the lot
line requiring the applicant to seek a multiple building site plan review. The site plan
included the development of 120 parking spaces to serve the development.
The commercial building on Lot 2 has been constructed. The bank branch on Lot 1 has
not been constructed.
A. PROPOSAUREQUEST:
The applicant is now proposing a rezoning of the site from C-3, General
Commercial District to PCD to allow a revision to the previously final platted lots
and to allow the development of the site with a new drive-through restaurant.
Lot 1R is proposed adjacent to Cantrell Road containing 1.45 acres. The
building proposed for Lot 1R will contain 3,900 square feet of gross floor area.
The lot is proposed containing 53 parking spaces.
Lot 2R will be incorporated into the PCD. The building located on Lot 2R exists
including the drives and parking. The building presently contains 12,000 square
feet and the site contains 93 parking spaces. Lot 2R contains 1.74 acres.
The development is proposed meeting the Highway 10 Design Overlay District
requirements with the exception of the 2 -acre minimum lot size requirement or
the requirement for a single building per two acres.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
The commercial portion of the development has been constructed and a portion
of the corner lot has been graded. The property to the east is development as an
office development through a POD. Two office buildings have been constructed,
one occupied and one vacant, and a branch bank has been constructed adjacent
to Cantrell Road. The area to the south of this site is vacant and zoned C-3,
General Commercial District. To the southeast is a single-family subdivision,
Chevaux Court. Across Chenonceau Boulevard at the intersection with Cantrell
Road is property zoned C-3, General Commercial District. The property
immediately south of the C-3, General Commercial District zoned property is
zoned 0-3, General Office District. Both properties are vacant of structures.
North of the site, across Cantrell Road, is the Ranch Development. The area is
developing as a mixed use development with office and commercial uses.
2
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: A (Cont.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
As of this writing, staff has received several informational phone calls from area
property owners. All property owners located within 200 feet of the site, all
residents, who could be identified, located within 300 feet of the site the
Aberdeen Court Property Owners Association, the Bayonne Place Property
Owners Association, the Johnson Ranch Neighborhood Association and the
Chevaux Court Property Owners Association were notified of the Public Hearing.
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS:
PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS:
1. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the
public right-of-way prior to occupancy.
2. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property. Show the proposed
location for storm water detention facilities on the plan.
3. Per the Master Street Plan, 3 lanes shown should be designed on
Chenonceau Boulevard; 1- left, 1-thru, and 1 -right. Modifications should be
made to the median to provide for this design. Please contact Bill Henry,
Traffic Engineering, at 379-1816 for additional information.
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. Coordinate design of traffic signal upgrade with proposed street
improvements. Plans to be forwarded to Traffic Engineering for approval.
6. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water
permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the
start of construction.
E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING:
Wastewater: Sewer available to this property.
Entergy: No comment received.
Center -Point Ener : No comment received.
AT & T: No comment received.
Central Arkansas Water: A 15 -foot wide easement will be required, 7.5 feet on
both sides of the existing water main adjacent to the south side of Cantrell Road.
3
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISIO
ITEM NO.: A (Cont.)
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
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.
Additional fire hydrant(s) may be required. Contact the Little Rock Fire
Department to obtain information regarding the required placement of the
hydrant(s) and contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for
installation of the hydrant(s).
Fire Department: Verify with Central Arkansas Water the shared private fire
hydrant agreement. Contact Central Arkansas Water at 377-1225.
County Planning: No comment.
CATA: The site is not located on a dedicated CATA Bus Route.
F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN:
Planning Division: This request is located in the Chenal Planning District. The
Land Use Plan shows Commercial for this property. The applicant has applied
for a Planned Commercial Development to allow the construction of a new
restaurant with a drive through window. The proposed development is proposed
with a variation to the Highway 10 Design Overlay District to allow the creation of
a lot with less than the two acre typical minimum lot size per the Overlay District.
The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan.
Master Street Plan: Cantrell Road is shown as 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. Chenonceau
Boulevard is shown as a Minor Arterial. A Minor Arterial provides connections to
and through an urban area and their primary function is to provide short distance
travel within the urbanized area. Entrances and exits should be limited to
minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on these streets, and these
streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street
improvements for entrances and exits to the site.
Bicycle Plan: A Class III bike route is shown along Chenonceau Boulevard. A
Class III bikeway is a signed route on a street shared with traffic. No additional
paving or right-of-way is required. Class III bicycle route signage may be
required.
Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is not covered by a City of Little Rock
Neighborhood Action Plan.
0
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: A (Cont.
Landscape:
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
1. Site plan must comply with the City's landscape and buffer ordinance
requirements and the Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
2. It appears the parking lot is also encroaching into the forty -foot (40')
landscape strip along Highway 10.
3. One additional island is needed along the parking area, adjacent to
Highway 10.
4. Screening of the parking areas is required along Highway 10.
5. The striped areas shown can be changed to green spaces. This allows for
more permeable surface areas thus less run-off.
6. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required.
7. 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.
8. 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: (April 17, 2008)
Mr. Joe White of White Daters and Associates was present representing the
request. Staff provided an overview of the proposed development stating the
developers were seeking a rezoning of the site from C-3, General Commercial
District to PCD to allow for the development of this 3+ acre site with two
buildings. Staff stated the Highway 10 Overlay typically required a minimum lot
size of two acres and the development of one building per two acres. Staff
requested Mr. White provide the proposed signage including building signage
and ground mounted signage. Staff stated the parking along the eastern
perimeter appeared to encroach into the 40 -foot landscape strip as typically
required per the Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the storm water detention
ordinance would apply to development of the site. Staff also stated any plans for
construction in the right of way would require approval by staff prior to beginning
construction. Staff stated Chenonceau Boulevard would require widening to
three lanes along the sites western perimeter. Staff stated one left, one through
and one right lane would be required.
5
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: A Cont. FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated screening of the parking
area along Cantrell Road was required and questioned the mechanism the
developer would employee to provide the required screening. Staff stated the
site would require a landscape plan stamped with the seal of a registered
landscape architect.
Staff noted comments from the various other reporting departments and
agencies. 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 most of the issues
raised at the April 17, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised site
plan indicates signage to comply with the Highway 10 Design Overlay District,
building signage to comply with signage typically allowed in commercial zones
and indicated the parking within the front yard does not encroach into the 40 -foot
landscape strip.
The site is currently zoned C-3, General Commercial District and is located in an
area covered by the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The developers are
requesting a rezoning of the site from C-3, General Commercial District to PCD
to allow a variation in the typical overlay standard. The variation being requested
is to allow the creation of lots less than the two (2) acre typical minimum
ordinance standard or to allow the construction of two (2) buildings on less than
four (4) acres. Below is a listing of the Overlay requirements and the applicant's
proposal related to each of the items.
Highway 10 DOD Requirements:
Lot size. There shall be a minimum
development tract size of not less than two
(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.
Applicant's proposal:
Lot 1 R contains 1.45 acres
Lot 2R contains 1.74 acres
Variation from the Overlay Standard.
The building line is indicated in excess of
100 -feet.
fRear yard. Rear yard shall not be less The building is set in excess of the 40 -foot
than forty (40) feet. rear yard setback.
Side yard. Side yard shall not be less than The side yard is setback in excess of the
thirty (30) feet. f 30 -foot side yard setback.
A
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: A Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
Landscaping treatment. Landscaped
areas shall attempt to incorporate existing
on-site trees and shrubbery into the
landscaping scheme and the plans shall
indicate such incorporation.
Landscaped areas shall have water
sprinkler systems to maintain plant
materials.
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
7
No trees located on site.
All landscaped areas will
systems installed.
I
have sprinkler
All erosion controls of the City will be
followed.
Tree species planted will be consistent
with outer species located in the area.
_ 1
The front yard is indicated with a minimum
landscape area of 40 -feet exclusive of the
right of way.
The landscaped area will contain organic
and/or man-made/organic- features such
as a berm to screen the vehicular use
areas as typically required per the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: A (Cont.
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:
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
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
The western side yard shall have a
landscape strip averaging a minimum of
25 -feet from the property line. The eastern
and rear property lines are located
adjacent to an access easement which
typically does not require the placement of
landscape strips.
The development will not utilize a
commercial development sign. The lot will
contain a single ground mounted
monument sign with a maximum height of
the six feet and 72 square feet in area.
1w I.— .,wrb cut:
development.
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: A (Cont.
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.
Building sites. The maximum number of
buildings per commercial development
shall be measured both by minimum tract
size and minimum frontage as follows:
One (1) building every two (2) acres.
Commercial developments and multiple
building sites. In the case of a commercial
development or other development
involving multiple building sites, whether
on one (1) or more platted lots, the above
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
shapes or other constraints, such as
adjacent structures or features which
significantly affect visibility, and thus
cannot be developed without violating the
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.
01
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
Lighting shall comply with the DOD
standards. Lighting will be directed to the
parking areas and not reflect into the
adjacent neighborhoods.
The site contains 3.19 acres and is
proposed with two lots and a single
building on each of the lots. The proposed
development is not meeting this typical
overlay standard.
Variation from the Overlav Standard.
The request is to rezone the site from C-3,
General Commercial District to PCD to
allow the creation of lots less than the two
(2) acre typical minimum lot size
requirement.
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: A (Cont.
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
The site plan indicates the placement of 15,900 square feet of building area. The
proposed uses are the allowable uses per the C-3, General Commercial Zoning
District. The site plan indicates the placement of 145 parking spaces. There are
108 parking spaces located on the site and an additional 37 spaces will be
provided with the new construction. Based on the typically minimum parking
requirements for a shopping center and a restaurant use 92 parking spaces
would typically be required.
The site plan indicates the placement of 11.4 percent of the site covered with
buildings, 34.5 percent landscaped and 54.1 percent paved. The site lighting will
be consistent with lighting per the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. All
lighting will be directed downward and into the site not over spilling to the
adjacent residential properties.
The site plan indicates the dumpster service hours will be limited to 7:00 am to
5:00 pm. The dumpster is located near the rear of the building and will be
screened per the typical ordinance standards. Staff recommends the dumpster
screening construction be of similar materials as the building. The developer
has indicated the site will not have 24-hour activity. The proposed hours of
operation are from 5:00 am to 2:00 am seven days per week.
The site is zoned C-3, General Commercial District which would allow for the
construction of a restaurant on the site. The lots were previously final platted
containing the existing 3.19 acres. There is an existing strip retail center located
on one of the proposed lots with the lot line dissecting the building. The request
for a rezoning is to recognize the existing conditions on the site, clean up the lot
configuration and allow for the construction of a new building.
Staff is supportive of the request. Although the site is not meeting the entirety of
the Overlay requirements, the site is in staff's opinion is meeting the intent of the
Overlay. The proposed use is consistent with uses as allowed in the current
zoning district. Staff does not feel the variation to allow the replatting of the two
(2) lots as proposed containing less than the typical two (2) acre minimum will
significantly impact the development or the area.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the
comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda
staff report.
Staff recommends the dumpster screening be consistent with the construction
materials of the building.
10
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISIO
ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MAY 8, 2008)
The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff stated on
April 28, 2008, the applicant had requested deferral of the item to the August 7, 2008,
Commission meeting. Staff stated the applicant had notify the Neighborhood
Associations of the deferral request providing the date and time of the future public
hearing. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the deferral request.
There was no further discussion of the item. The commission voted to approve the item
for deferral on the consent agenda by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent.
STAFF UPDA
The applicant has met with the area neighborhood associations as indicated in the
previous deferral. There are no changes proposed for the site plan. Staff continues to
recommend approval of the request.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (AUGUST 7, 2008)
Mr. Tim Daters and Mr. JC Hosel were present representing the request. There were
registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of
approval of the request.
Mr. Tim Daters of White Daters and Associates addressed the Commission on the
technical issues of the development. He stated the development containing 3.12 acres
and was proposed as a two lot PCD. He stated 34.5 percent of the site would be
landscaped. Mr. Daters stated the property was zoned C-3, General Commercial. He
stated the site did share cross access with the property located immediately to the east.
Mr. JC Hossel addressed the Commission. He stated the development was proposed
as a fast food restaurant, a McDonalds. He stated the signage would be limited to a
ground mounted sign. No electronic messaging was proposed. He stated the site
would not operate 24 hours but would operate from 5 am to 2 am seven days per week.
He stated elevations with proposed material had been provided to the Commission. He
stated the site would require approval by the Chenal Design Review Committee. He
stated the building construction would not be metal but some form of brick or
combination of comparable material.
11
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
MAKIN•-wforeM
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
Ms. Sandra Palmer addressed the Commission in opposition. She stated she was
president of the Chevaux Neighborhood Association and the neighborhoods was very
much opposed to the request. She stated there were 96 homes in the neighborhood
with 155 residents. She stated of the residents she had a petition with 145 names in
opposition of the request. She stated the neighborhood did not need a drive-thru
restaurant next door to their quiet neighborhood. She stated there was a similar fast
food restaurant located in the Wal-Mart, two miles down the road. She stated if the
development did not fit the City and developers should not force the development to
occur. She stated the neighborhood was concerned with the volume of traffic, the trash
generated from the site, the noise, light pollution and the safety of the patrons of the
neighborhood and the drive-thru restaurant. She stated the sign proposed was six feet
high. She stated the sign would be located on a five to ten foot embankment resulting
in a fifteen foot tall sign.
Ms. Palmer stated a McDonalds was not what Chenal Valley wanted marking the
entrance to their neighborhood. She stated the hours of operation were a concern. She
stated once the approval to allow the restaurant to operate from 5 am to 2 am was
approved the owners would be back requesting an extension of the hours. She stated
the existing restaurant closed at 9:00 pm. She stated the hours should match the
existing uses in the area.
Ms. Palmer stated light pollution was also a concern. She stated the office development
located to the north of their subdivision had been raised to a height that the
development was towering over their homes. She stated with the filling and the
placement of light poles 20 to 25 feet high the lighting for the office development spilled
onto the adjacent site and into their back yards.
She stated a new commercial building was not needed. She questioned why the
restaurant could not retro fit the Catfish City building for their use.
The Commission questioned if the opposition was to the use or to the placement of two
buildings on less than four acres. Ms. Palmer stated the neighborhood did not want a
fast food restaurant at the entrance to their neighborhood.
Mr. Edward Oglesby addressed the Commission in opposition. He stated he was
representing the Aberdeen Court Property Owners Association. He stated there were
199 homes in the neighborhood and a pole of the residents had been taken and the
neighborhood was not in support of the restaurant. He stated the neighborhood was
opposed to a fast food restaurant on the corner. He stated the volume of traffic and the
speed of traffic was a concern. He stated there were also concerns with turning
movements from this site and the bank located to the north. He stated the drives
12
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
aligned and traffic traveling east bound wanting to enter the bank was at odds with
motorist wanting to turn onto Chenonceau or into this development. He stated the
Overlay had been in place for 25 plus years. He stated little by little the City had
allowed development to occur inconsistent with the Overlay standards. He stated the
neighborhood was concerned with the noise and the traffic a fast food restaurant would
generate. He stated the site was more appropriate for a quiet commercial uses and not
a business that operated from 5 am to 2 am. He stated traffic on Chenonceau backed
up at this location. He stated it was unsafe to exit onto Cantrell without waiting for the
light because of the speed of the traffic and visibility issues.
The Commission questioned if the opposition was to the use or the variance from the
Overlay standard. Mr. Oglesby stated the opposition was to the use. Commissioner
Rector stated use was not an issue before the Commission. He stated the property was
zoned C-3, General Commercial which by right allowed a drive-thru restaurant.
Mr. Oglesby stated the lot existed with two acres. He stated the drive-thru was a
concern he requested the Commission to deny the variance. He stated across Highway
10 there was an area of C-3, General Commercial zoned property. He questioned why
the development did not occur there. He stated there was not a need for a fast food
restaurant at this location. He stated the same restaurant was in the Wal-Mart just two
miles down the road. He stated the Commission had been sold a bill of goods with the
previous site plan. He stated the developers had a bank approved for the location then
came back for a restaurant once the two buildings were approved.
Mr. Frank Pohlkamp addressed the Commission in opposition. He stated he was
representing the Bayonne Place property owners association. He stated the property
owners association was totally against a McDonalds restaurant at this location. He
stated the Commission should refuse the variance request by Orion and McDonalds to
allow the development with less than the overlay standards. He stated the intersection
carried a high level of traffic and the speed of the traffic was in excess of the posted
50 mph. He stated the hours of operation would be a magnet to attract late night
undesirables to the area. He stated this would increase crime in the neighborhood and
surrounding neighborhoods and would impact property values. He stated the
neighborhood concept of livability would be violated with trash, noise and odor as well
as air pollution from vehicles idling at the drive-thru window. He stated the residents
bought homes in Bayonne Place because of the peaceful atmosphere and neat
appearance. He stated a restaurant with a drive-thru window would certainly
compromise the peaceful atmosphere. He stated the neighborhood did not see the
need for a restaurant of this type when just down the road at the Super Center there
was a McDonalds. He stated there were a number of other locations not adjacent to a
residential neighborhood where sites were available for a restaurant location.
Mr. Pohlkamp addressed the Commission stating he desired the Commission to
13
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
YV ►�fi0,L9>WWW(4i.Tii#
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
consider the neighborhoods wishes and refuse the variance to the Highway 10 Overlay
Plan. He read the Commission Mission statement stating to enhance the quality of life
for the Citizens of Little Rock by providing a Department which encourages quality
growth, development and redevelopment and the stabilization of neighborhoods through
a concentrated effort of planning, land use controls, Historic Preservation, permitting
and enforcement.
Mr. David Grace addressed the Commission in opposition of the request. He stated the
Commission had been provided letters of opposition from the Bayonne residents. He
stated the developers had filed the application in April and had not meet with the
residents until last week. He stated the request included a variance from the
Subdivision Ordinance to allow the development. He stated Orion left the lot size as
indicated which was a business decision at the time of development of the retail center
located to the south. He provided the Commission with accident reports at the
intersection from 2000. He stated since 2000 55 accidents had occurred. He stated a
number of the accidents had occurred since 2005 after the traffic signal was installed.
He stated a drive-thru in the mist of the volumes of traffic in the area was a concern. He
stated safety was not included in the staff write-up.
Ms. Ruth Bell addressed the Commission in opposition. She stated she was
representing the League of Women Voters who had taken a strong stand on the
Highway 10 Overlay and felt the plan should be upheld. She stated the variances
typically granted met the spirit of the plan. She stated many persons- had bought land
and made business decision for future development based on the plan, adopted by the
City, dictating how the area would develop. She stated this was a strong reason to
uphold the DOD.
Mr. Daters stated as a part of the development a third lane would be added to
Chenonceau Boulevard. He stated this would allow a dedicated left, through and right
lane. He stated the developer would also incorporate improvements to the traffic signal.
He stated there was not a break in Chenonceau, which would allow left turns into the
site thus lessening the conflicting traffic movements.
There was a general discussion of the Commission concerning the traffic concerns and
issues raised. Staff stated the drives were located in these areas because they aligned
and the meet the spacing criteria of the ordinance. Staff stated the streets would be
constructed to Master Street Plan standard and this did include the addition of a left turn
lane on Chenonceau. The Commission questioned if the use would affect traffic
patterns in the area. Staff stated they did not feel the use would affect the traffic
patterns in the area.
Staff stated one comment had been made concerning a variance from the Subdivision
Ordinance. Staff stated this was incorrect and the variance was from the Highway 10
Overlay standards. Staff stated the lot development standards were established by the
14
August 7, 2008
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
zoning through the Overlay. Staff stated the overlay required the placement of one
building per two acres or a minimum lot size of two acres. Staff stated the Overlay
established development standards. Staff stated the Commission was charged with
determining if the development met the purpose and intent of the Overlay District. Staff
stated use was an issue the Commission could consider since the request was a
rezoning. Staff stated if approved the zoning of the property would be PCD and not the
present C-3, General Commercial District.
There was a general discussion concerning development standards and how the site
could develop. The Commission noted the remaining three corners were zoned C-3 as
was the property to the south of this site which could develop with a drive-thru
restaurant by -right with the issuance of a building permit and no review by the City
Planning Commission or Board of Directors. The Commission noted two weeks ago a
review of the Highway 10 Overlay was undertaken to determine the number of variance
request being considered in this area. It was stated Highway 10 was at the forefront of
everyone's mind. The Commission stated the Planned Development process was the
vehicle to allow development of property, which did not fully comply with the Overlay
standard regardless of the issue. The Commission noted the site was located at a
commercial node. Also noting all other corners were zoned appropriately to allow this
same type use.
A motion was made to approve the request. The motion failed by a vote of 7 ayes,
2 noes and 2 absent.
15
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C
NAME: Chenonceau Commercial Lots 1 and 2 Short -form PCD
LOCATION: Located on the Southeast corner of Cantrell Road and
Chenonceau Boulevard
DEVELOPER:
Orion Capital Partners
2200 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 206
Little Rock, AR 72212
ENGINEER:
White Daters and Associates
24 Rahling Circle
Little Rock, AR 72223
AREA: 3.19 acres
CURRENT ZONING
ALLOWED USES
PROPOSED ZONING
ROPOSED USE:
NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0 LF
C-3, General Commercial District
General Commercial
I
C-3, General Commercial District uses — Variation to the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District
VARIANCESIWAIVERS REQUESTED: None requested.
BACKGROUND:
Preliminary plat containing eleven lots was approved by the Little Rock Planning
Commission at their May 16, 1995, Public Hearing. The proposal included a
commercial and office subdivision on a 16.66 -acre tract. The site has frontages on both
Cantrell Road and Chenonceau Boulevard. One interior cul-de-sac street,
approximately 500 feet in length was proposed within the subdivision. Lots ranged in
size from 0.8 acres to 2.14 acres, with the average lot size being 1.44 acres. The Final
Plat for Lot 1 was executed on January 29, 1996. The Final Plat for Lot 2 was executed
on December 19, 2003. The remaining lots have not been final platted.
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
On April 22, 2004, the Little Rock Planning Commission approved a site plan review to
allow the construction of two buildings on this site, which was previously final platted as
two lots. The lots were final platted consistent with the Highway 10 Design Overlay
District with regard to lot size and building setbacks. The approval allowed the
construction of a 2,700 square foot bank building located on the corner of Cantrell Road
and Chenonceau Boulevard on Lot 1 and the construction of a retail building containing
12,000 square feet on Lot 2. The retail building was situated where it crossed the lot
line requiring the applicant to seek a multiple building site plan review. The site plan
included the development of 120 parking spaces to serve the development.
The commercial building on Lot 2 has been constructed. The bank branch on Lot 1 has
not been constructed.
A. PROPOSAUREQUEST:
The applicant is now proposing a rezoning of the site from C-3, General
Commercial District to PCD to allow a revision to the previously final platted lots
and to allow the development of the site with a new drive-through restaurant.
Lot 1R is proposed adjacent to Cantrell Road containing 1.45 acres. The
building proposed for Lot 1R will contain 3,900 square feet of gross floor area.
The lot is proposed containing 53 parking spaces.
Lot 2R will be incorporated into the PCD. The building located on Lot 2R exists
including the drives and parking. The building presently contains 12,000 square
feet and the site contains 93 parking spaces. Lot 2R contains 1.74 acres.
The development is proposed meeting the Highway 10 Design Overlay District
requirements with the exception of the 2 -acre minimum lot size requirement or
the requirement for a single building per two acres.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
The commercial portion of the development has been constructed and a portion
of the corner lot has been graded. The property to the east is development as an
office development through a POD. Two office buildings have been constructed,
one occupied and one vacant, and a branch bank has been constructed adjacent
to Cantreil Road. The area to the south of this site is vacant and zoned C-3,
General Commercial District. To the southeast is a single-family subdivision,
Chevaux Court. Across Chenonceau Boulevard at the intersection with Cantrell
Road is property zoned C-3, General Commercial District. The property
immediately south of the C-3, General Commercial District zoned property is
zoned 0-3, General Office District. Both properties are vacant of structures.
North of the site, across Cantrell Road, is the Ranch Development. The area is
developing as a mixed use development with office and commercial uses.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
As of this writing, staff has received several informational phone calls from area
property owners. All property owners located within 200 feet of the site, all
2
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C Cont-.
residents, who could be identified, located within 300 feet of the site the
Aberdeen Court Property Owners Association, the Bayonne Place Property
Owners Association, the Johnson Ranch Neighborhood Association and the
Chevaux Court Property Owners Association were notified of the Public Hearing.
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS:
PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIO
1. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the
public right-of-way prior to occupancy.
2. Storm water detention ordinance applies to this property. Show the proposed
location for storm water detention facilities on the plan.
3. Per the Master Street Plan, 3 lanes shown should be designed on
Chenonceau Boulevard; 1- left, 1-thru, and 1 -right. Modifications should be
made to the median to provide for this design. Please contact Bill Henry,
Traffic Engineering, at 379-1816 for additional information.
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. Coordinate design of traffic signal upgrade with proposed street
improvements. Plans to be forwarded to Traffic Engineering for approval.
6. If disturbed area is one (1) or more acres, obtain a NPDES storm water
permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality prior to the
start of construction.
E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING:
Wastewater: Sewer available to this property.
Entergy: No comment received.
Center -Point Energy: No comment received.
AT & T: No comment received.
Central Arkansas Water: A 15 -foot wide easement will be required, 7.5 feet on
both sides of the existing water main adjacent to the south side of Cantrell Road.
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.
Additional fire hydrant(s) may be required. Contact the Little Rock Fire
Department to obtain information regarding the required placement of the
hydrant(s) and contact Central Arkansas Water regarding procedures for
installation of the hydrant(s).
3
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
Fire Department: Verify with Central Arkansas Water the shared private fire
hydrant agreement. Contact Central Arkansas Water at 377-1225.
County Planning: No comment.
CATA: The site is not located on a dedicated CATA Bus Route.
F. 1SSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN:
Planning Division: This request is located in the Chenal Planning District. The
Land Use Plan shows Commercial for this property. The applicant has applied
for a Planned Commercial Development to allow the construction of a new
restaurant with a drive through window. The proposed development is proposed
with a variation to the Highway 10 Design Overlay District to allow the creation of
a lot with less than the two acre typical minimum lot size per the Overlay District.
The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan.
Master Street Plan: Cantrell Road is shown as 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. Chenonceau
Boulevard is shown as a Minor Arterial. A Minor Arterial provides connections to
and through an urban area and their primary function is to provide short distance
travel within the urbanized area. Entrances and exits should be limited to
minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on these streets, and these
streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street
improvements for entrances and exits to the site.
Bicycle Plan: A Class III bike route is shown along Chenonceau Boulevard. A
Class III bikeway is a signed route on a street shared with traffic. No additional
paving or right-of-way is required. Class III bicycle route signage may be
required.
Neighborhood Action Plan: This area is not covered by a City of Little Rock
Neighborhood Action Plan.
Landscape:
1. Site plan must comply with the City's landscape and buffer ordinance
requirements and the Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
2. It appears the parking lot is also encroaching into the forty -foot (40')
landscape strip along Highway 10.
3. One additional island is needed along the parking area, adjacent to
Highway 10.
M
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
4. Screening of the parking areas is required along Highway 10.
5. The striped areas shown can be changed to green spaces. This allows for
more permeable surface areas thus less run-off.
6. An automatic irrigation system to water landscaped areas will be required.
7. 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.
8. 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: (April 17, 2008)
Mr. Joe White of White Daters and Associates was present representing the
request. Staff provided an overview of the proposed development stating the
developers were seeking a rezoning of the site from C-3, General Commercial
District to PCD to allow for the development of this 3+ acre site with two
buildings. Staff stated the Highway 10 Overlay typically required a minimum lot
size of two acres and the development of one building per two acres. Staff
requested Mr. White provide the proposed signage including building signage
and ground mounted signage. Staff stated the parking along the eastern
perimeter appeared to encroach into the 40 -foot landscape strip as typically
required per the Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the storm water detention
ordinance would apply to development of the site. Staff also stated any plans for
construction in the right of way would require approval by staff prior to beginning
construction. Staff stated Chenonceau Boulevard would require widening to
three lanes along the sites western perimeter. Staff stated one left, one through
and one right lane would be required.
Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated screening of the parking
area along Cantrell Road was required and questioned the mechanism the
developer would employee to provide the required screening. Staff stated the
site would require a landscape plan stamped with the seal of a registered
landscape architect.
Staff noted comments from the various other reporting departments and
agencies. 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 -7605-C (Cont.
H. ANALYSIS:
The applicant submitted a revised site plan to staff addressing most of the issues
raised at the April 17, 2008, Subdivision Committee meeting. The revised site
plan indicates signage to comply with the Highway 10 Design Overlay District,
building signage to comply with signage typically allowed in commercial zones
and indicated the parking within the front yard does not encroach into the 40 -foot
landscape strip.
The site is currently zoned C-3, General Commercial District and is located in an
area covered by the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. The developers are
requesting a rezoning of the site from C-3, General Commercial District to PCD
to allow a variation in the typical overlay standard. The variation being requested
is to allow the creation of lots less than the two (2) acre typical minimum
ordinance standard or to allow the construction of two (2) buildings on less than
four (4) acres. Below is a listing of the Overlay requirements and the applicant's
proposal related to each of the items.
Highway 10 DOD Requirements:
Applicant's proposal:
Lot size. There shall be a minimum
Lot 1 R contains 1.45 acres
development tract size of not less than two
Lot 2R contains 1.74 acres
(2) acres.
Variation from the Overlay Standard.
Front yard. All principal and accessory
The building line is indicated in excess of
buildings or structures are required to have
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 set in excess of the 40 -foot
than forty (40) feet.
rear yard setback.
Side yard. Side yard shall not be less than
The side yard is setback in excess of the
thirty (30) feet.
30 -foot side yard setback.
Landscaping treatment. Landscaped
areas shall attempt to incorporate existing
on-site trees and shrubbery into the
No trees located on site,
landscaping scheme and the plans shall
indicate such incorporation.
Landscaped areas shall have water
All landscaped areas will have sprinkler
sprinkler systems to maintain plant
systems installed.
materials.
Cej
FILE -NO.: Z -7605-C Cont.
Erosion retardant vegetation shall be used 1 All erosion controls of the City will be
on all cuts and fills. � followed.
1
Tree species to be planted within this Tree species planted will be consistent
corridor should be consistent with other with outer species located in the area.
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.
The front yard is indicated with a minimum
landscape area of 40 -feet exclusive of the
right of way.
The landscaped area will contain organic
and/or man-made/organic features such
as a berm to screen the vehicular use
areas as typically required per the
Highway 10 Design Overlay District.
Rear and side yards shall have a The western side yard shall have a
landscaped buffer averaging a minimum of I landscape strip averaging a minimum of
twenty-five (25) feet from the property line. 25 -feet from the property line. The eastern
Where such yards abut a street right -of- and rear property lines are located
way, a fifteen -foot landscaped strip shall adjacent to an access easement which
be required adjacent to land zoned office typically_ does not require the placement of
7
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
and residential. A seven -foot landscaped
landscape strips.
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:
Commercial development signage.
The development will not utilize a
Signage identifying the commercial
commercial development sign. The lot will
development shall not exceed ten (10) feet
contain a single ground mounted
in height and one hundred (100) square
monument sign with a maximum height of
feet in area. All signs that are ground-
the six feet and 72 square feet in area.
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
No new curb cuts are proposed with the
three hundred (300) feet and no curb cut
development.
closer to an intersection than one hundred
(100) feet.
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.
Building sites. The maximum number of
The site contains 3.19 acres and is
buildings per commercial development
proposed with two lots and a single
shall be measured both by minimum tract
building on each of the lots. The proposed
size and minimum frontage as follows:
development is not meeting this typical
One (1) building every two (2) acres.
overlay standard.
Variation from the Overlay Standard.
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
Commercial developments and multiple
building sites. In the case of a commercial
development or other development
involving multiple building sites, whether
on one (1) or more platted lots, the above
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
shapes or other constraints, such as
adjacent structures or features which
significantly affect visibility, and thus
cannot be developed without violating the
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.
The request is to rezone the site from C-3,
General Commercial District to PCD to
allow the creation of lots less than the two
(2) acre typical minimum lot size
requirement.
The site plan indicates the placement of 15,900 square feet of building area. The
proposed uses are the allowable uses per the C-3, General Commercial Zoning
District. The site plan indicates the placement of 145 parking spaces. There are
108 parking spaces located on the site and an additional 37 spaces will be
provided with the new construction. Based on the typically minimum parking
requirements for a shopping center and a restaurant use 92 parking spaces
would typically be required.
The site plan indicates the placement of 11.4 percent of the site covered with
buildings, 34.5 percent landscaped and 54.1 percent paved. The site lighting will
be consistent with lighting per the Highway 10 Design Overlay District. All
lighting will be directed downward and into the site not over spilling to the
adjacent residential properties.
The site plan indicates the dumpster service hours will be limited to 7:00 am to
5:00 pm. The dumpster is located near the rear of the building and will be
screened per the typical ordinance standards. Staff recommends the dumpster
screening construction be of similar materials as the building. The developer
has indicated the site will not have 24-hour activity. The proposed hours of
operation are from 5:00 am to 2:00 am seven days per week.
The site is zoned C-3, General Commercial District which would allow for the
construction of a restaurant on the site. The lots were previously final platted
W
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
containing the existing 3.19 acres. There is an existing strip retail center located
on one of the proposed lots with the lot line dissecting the building. The request
for a rezoning is to recognize the existing conditions on the site, clean up the lot
configuration and allow for the construction of a new building.
Staff is supportive of the request. Although the site is not meeting the entirety of
the Overlay requirements, the site is in staff's opinion is meeting the intent of the
Overlay. The proposed use is consistent with uses as allowed in the current
zoning district. Staff does not feel the variation to allow the replatting of the two
(2) lots as proposed containing less than the typical two (2) acre minimum will
significantly impact the development or the area.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the
comments and conditions as outlined in paragraphs D, E and F of the agenda
staff report.
Staff recommends the dumpster screening be consistent with the construction
materials of the building.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
(MAY 8, 2008)
The applicant was present. There were no registered objectors present. Staff stated on
April 28, 2008, the applicant had requested deferral of the item to the August 7, 2008,
Commission meeting. Staff stated the applicant had notify the Neighborhood
Associations of the deferral request providing the date and time of the future public
hearing. Staff presented a recommendation of approval of the deferral request.
There was no further discussion of the item. The commission voted to approve the item
for deferral on the consent agenda by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent.
STAFF UPDATE:
The applicant has met with the area neighborhood associations as indicated in the
previous deferral. There are no changes proposed for the site plan. Staff continues to
recommend approval of the request.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
(AUGUST 7, 2008)
Mr. Tim Daters and Mr. JC Hosel were present representing the request. There were
registered objectors present. Staff presented the item with a recommendation of
approval of the request.
10
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
Mr. Tim Daters of White Daters and Associates addressed the Commission on the
technical issues of the development. He stated the development containing 3.12 acres
and was proposed as a two lot PCD. He stated 34.5 percent of the site would be
landscaped. Mr. Daters stated the property was zoned C-3, General Commercial. He
stated the site did share cross access with the property located immediately to the east.
Mr. JC Hossel addressed the Commission. He stated the development was proposed
as a fast food restaurant, a McDonalds. He stated the signage would be limited to a
ground mounted sign. No electronic messaging was proposed. He stated the site
would not operate 24 hours but would operate from 5 am to 2 am seven days per week.
He stated elevations with proposed material had been provided to the Commission. He
stated the site would require approval by the Chenal Design Review Committee. He
stated the building construction would not be metal but some form of brick or
combination of comparable material.
Ms. Sandra Palmer addressed the Commission in opposition. She stated she was
president of the Chevaux Neighborhood Association and the neighborhoods was very
much opposed to the request. She stated there were 96 homes in the neighborhood
with 155 residents. She stated of the residents she had a petition with 145 names in
opposition of the request. She stated the neighborhood did not need a drive-thru
restaurant next door to their quiet neighborhood. She stated there was a similar fast
food restaurant located in the Wal-Mart, two miles down the road. She stated if the
development did not fit the City and developers should not force the development to
occur. She stated the neighborhood was concerned with the volume of traffic, the trash
generated from the site, the noise, light pollution and the safety of the patrons of the
neighborhood and the drive-thru restaurant. She stated the sign proposed was six feet
high. She stated the sign would be located on a five to ten foot embankment resulting
in a fifteen foot tall sign.
Ms. Palmer stated a McDonalds was not what Chenal Valley wanted marking the
entrance to their neighborhood. She stated the hours of operation were a concern. She
stated once the approval to allow the restaurant to operate from 5 am to 2 am was
approved the owners would be back requesting an extension of the hours. She stated
the existing restaurant closed at 9:00 pm. She stated the hours should match the
existing uses in the area.
Ms. Palmer stated light pollution was also a concern. She stated the office development
located to the north of their subdivision had been raised to a height that the
development was towering over their homes. She stated with the filling and the
placement of light poles 20 to 25 feet high the lighting for the office development spilled
onto the adjacent site and into their back yards.
She stated a new commercial building was not needed. She questioned why the
restaurant could not retro fit the Catfish City building for their use.
11
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
The Commission questioned if the opposition was to the use or to the placement of two
buildings on less than four acres. Ms. Palmer stated the neighborhood did not want a
fast food restaurant at the entrance to their neighborhood.
Mr. Edward Oglesby addressed the Commission in opposition. He stated he was
representing the Aberdeen Court Property Owners Association. He stated there were
199 homes in the neighborhood and a pole of the residents had been taken and the
neighborhood was not in support of the restaurant. He stated the neighborhood was
opposed to a fast food restaurant on the corner. He stated the volume of traffic and the
speed of traffic was a concern. He stated there were also concerns with turning
movements from this site and the bank located to the north. He stated the drives
aligned and traffic traveling east bound wanting to enter the bank was at odds with
motorist wanting to turn onto Chenonceau or into this development. He stated the
Overlay had been in place for 25 plus years. He stated little by little the City had
allowed development to occur inconsistent with the Overlay standards. He stated the
neighborhood was concerned with the noise and the traffic a fast food restaurant would
generate. He stated the site was more appropriate for a quiet commercial uses and not
a business that operated from 5 am to 2 am. He stated traffic on Chenonceau backed
up at this location. He stated it was unsafe to exit onto Cantrell without waiting for the
light because of the speed of the traffic and visibility issues.
The Commission questioned if the opposition was to the use or the variance from the
Overlay standard. Mr. Oglesby stated the opposition was to the use. Commissioner
Rector stated use was not an issue before the Commission. He stated the property was
zoned C-3, General Commercial which by right allowed a drive-thru restaurant.
Mr. Oglesby stated the lot existed with two acres. He stated the drive-thru was a
concern he requested the Commission to deny the variance. He stated across Highway
10 there was an area of C-3, General Commercial zoned property. He questioned why
the development did not occur there. He stated there was not a need for a fast food
restaurant at this location. He stated the same restaurant was in the Wal-Mart just two
miles down the road. He stated the Commission had been sold a bill of goods with the
previous site plan. He stated the developers had a bank approved for the location then
came back for a restaurant once the two buildings were approved.
Mr. Frank Pohlkamp addressed the Commission in opposition. He stated he was
representing the Bayonne Place property owners association. He stated the property
owners association was totally against a McDonalds restaurant at this location. He
stated the Commission should refuse the variance request by Orion and McDonalds to
allow the development with less than the overlay standards. He stated the intersection
carried a high level of traffic and the speed of the traffic was in excess of the posted
50 mph. He stated the hours of operation would be a magnet to attract late night
undesirables to the area. He stated this would increase crime in the neighborhood and
surrounding neighborhoods and would impact property values. He stated the
neighborhood concept of livability would be violated with trash, noise and odor as well
as air pollution from vehicles idling at the drive-thru window. He stated the residents
bought homes in Bayonne Place because of the peaceful atmosphere and neat
appearance. He stated a restaurant with a drive-thru window would certainly
12
FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
compromise the peaceful atmosphere. He stated the neighborhood did not see the
need for a restaurant of this type when just down the road at the Super Center there
was a McDonalds. He stated there were a number of other locations not adjacent to a
residential neighborhood where sites were available for a restaurant location.
Mr. Pohlkamp addressed the Commission stating he desired the Commission to
consider the neighborhoods wishes and refuse the variance to the Highway 10 Overlay
Plan. He read the Commission Mission statement stating to enhance the quality of life
for the Citizens of Little Rock by providing a Department which encourages quality
growth, development and redevelopment and the stabilization of neighborhoods through
a concentrated effort of planning, land use controls, Historic Preservation, permitting
and enforcement.
Mr. David Grace addressed the Commission in opposition of the request. He stated the
Commission had been provided letters of opposition from the Bayonne residents. He
stated the developers had filed the application in April and had not meet with the
residents until last week. He stated the request included a variance from the
Subdivision Ordinance to allow the development. He stated Orion left the lot size as
indicated which was a business decision at the time of development of the retail center
located to the south. He provided the Commission with accident reports at the
intersection from 2000. He stated since 2000 55 accidents had occurred. He stated a
number of the accidents had occurred since 2005 after the traffic signal was installed.
He stated a drive-thru in the mist of the volumes of traffic in the area was a concern. He
stated safety was not included in the staff write-up.
Ms. Ruth Bell addressed the Commission in opposition. She stated she was
representing the League of Women Voters who had taken a strong stand on the
Highway 10 Overlay and felt the plan should be upheld. She stated the variances
typically granted met the spirit of the plan. She stated many persons had bought land
and made business decision for future development based on the plan, adopted by the
City, dictating how the area would develop. She stated this was a strong reason to
uphold the DOD.
Mr. Daters stated as a part of the development a third lane would be added to
Chenonceau Boulevard. He stated this would allow a dedicated left, through and right
lane. He stated the developer would also incorporate improvements to the traffic signal.
He stated there was not a break in Chenonceau, which would allow left turns into the
site thus lessening the conflicting traffic movements.
There was a general discussion of the Commission concerning the traffic concerns and
issues raised. Staff stated the drives were located in these areas because they aligned
and the meet the spacing criteria of the ordinance. Staff stated the streets would be
constructed to Master Street Plan standard and this did include the addition of a left turn
lane on Chenonceau. The Commission questioned if the use would affect traffic
patterns in the area. Staff stated they did not feel the use would affect the traffic
patterns in the area.
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FILE NO.: Z -7605-C (Cont.
Staff stated one comment had been made concerning a variance from the Subdivision
Ordinance. Staff stated this was incorrect and the variance was from the Highway 10
Overlay standards. Staff stated the lot development standards were established by the
zoning through the Overlay. Staff stated the overlay required the placement of one
building per two acres or a minimum lot size of two acres. Staff stated the Overlay
established development standards. Staff stated the Commission was charged with
determining if the development met the purpose and intent of the Overlay District. Staff
stated use was an issue the Commission could consider since the request was a
rezoning. Staff stated if approved the zoning of the property would be PCD and not the
present C-3, General Commercial District.
There was a general discussion concerning development standards and how the site
could develop. The Commission noted the remaining three corners were zoned C-3 as
was the property to the south of this site which could develop with a drive-thru
restaurant by -right with the issuance of a building permit and no review by the City
Planning Commission or Board of Directors. The Commission noted two weeks ago a
review of the Highway 10 Overlay was undertaken to determine the number of variance
request being considered in this area. It was stated Highway 10 was at the forefront of
everyone's mind. The Commission stated the Planned Development process was the
vehicle to allow development of property, which did not fully comply with the Overlay
standard regardless of the issue. The Commission noted the site was located at a
commercial node. Also noting all other corners were zoned appropriately to allow this
same type use.
A motion was made to approve the request. The motion failed by a vote of 7 ayes,
2 noes and 2 absent.
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