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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7739 Staff AnalysisFILE NO.: Z-7739 NAME: Markham Bank Short -form PD -O LOCATION: Located on the North side of West Markham Street between Jackson and Monroe Streets DEVELOPER: HR Company c/o Tom Cole 900 South Shackleford Road, Suite 210 Little Rock, AR 72211 ENGINEER: Development Consultants, Inc. 2200 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 220 Little Rock, AR 72212 AREA: 0.57 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 (1 Zoning Lot) CURRENT ZONING: 0-3, General Office District ALLOWED USES: Office General and Professional PROPOSED ZONING: POD PROPOSED USE: Branch Bank Facility FT. NEW STREET: 0 VARIANCESNVAIVERS REQUESTED: A variance from ordinances to allow a reduction in the minimum driveway spacing criteria. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant is proposing the development of this 0.57 acre parcel as a branch bank facility with two drive through lanes and one ATM location. The applicant is requesting a waiver of the required driveway spacing criteria to allow two one- way drive openings for the property. The applicant has indicated this will allow one-way traffic flow to circulate around the building for drive-through teller and ATM services. The applicant has indicated this scenario is similar to many other small sites with drive-through services that have been allowed with separate one- way drives. The applicant states in his cover letter many such sites have more FILE NO.: Z-7739 Cont. intense traffic generation, such as the case of restaurants. The applicant's cover letter states the site is unusable without the driveway waiver consideration. The applicant has indicated fifteen on-site parking spaces on the proposed site plan. The site plan also includes the placement of stacking sufficient to allow stacking for five to six automobiles. The applicant has indicated they do not anticipate the ATM use to be a substantial contributor to peak hour traffic flows. The applicant has indicated screening will be added to the northern perimeter of the site where abutting residentially zoned properties. The site plan includes the placement of a six foot wood fence. The applicant has also indicated a portion of the northern buffer will remain as undisturbed. The applicant has indicated the trash dumpster on the proposed site plan. The dumpster is located adjacent to the northern proposed parking area and screened per code. The applicant has indicated the drive through hours of operation will be from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday. The applicant has indicated the lobby hours will be from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday only. The applicant is also requesting 0-3 uses as alternative uses for the site. The applicant has provided a copy of the Bill of Assurance dated April 15, 1941. The proposed request does not appear to be in conflict with the provided Bill of Assurance. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: There are a variety of uses located in the area both residential and non-residential in character. The residential uses include both single-family and multi -family and the non-residential include both office and commercial uses. There are State and City owned facilities located to the south of the site including UAMS, the Arkansas Department of Health, War Memorial Park and the Zoo. West Markham Street is a four lane roadway with a center turn lane in this area. There are curb and gutters located adjacent to the site but due to previous paving in the area the curb has been greatly reduced. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has not received any comment from an area resident concerning the proposed use of the property. All residents who could be identified located within 300 -feet of the site, the Hillcrest Residents Neighborhood Association and all owners of property located within 200 -feet of the site were notified of the public hearing. 2 FILE NO.: Z-7739 Cont. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS 1. During peak hours, there will not be sufficient driveway area to allow three vehicles to queue up at each of the four drive through windows (12 vehicles total), and still allow walk-in customers to park and exit. Vehicles will block the through lanes of Markham waiting to enter. Contact Bill Henry Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1816. 2. Driveway locations and widths do not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. Only a single driveway would be allowed for 36 -feet of frontage. The width of driveway must not exceed 36 -feet. 3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. Sidewalks and ramps must meet current ADA standards. 4. Storm water detention will not apply to the proposed development. 5. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be required prior to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site grading and drainage plans will need to be submitted and approved prior to the start of construction. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNI Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected. Entergy: Approved as submitted. Center -Point Ener : No comment received. SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. 3/4 -inch is the largest meter size available off the existing water main. Additional fire hydrant(s) will 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: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department at 918-3752 for additional information. County Planning: No comment. 3 FILE NO.: Z-7739 (Cont. CATA: No comment received. F. ISSUESITECHNICAUDESIGN: Planning Division: This request is located in the Heights Hillcrest Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Office for this property. The applicant has applied for a Planned Office Development -POD for construction of a bank. The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Markham Street, Fair Park Boulevard, and Van Buren Street are shown as Minor Arterials on the Master Street. The purpose of a Minor Arterial is to provide connections to and through an urban area. Markham Street may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street improvements. Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on Markham Street. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The applicant's property lies in the area covered by the Hillcrest Neighborhood Action Plan. The Zoning and Land Use Goal category has multiple goals. One is to "Create a different set of guidelines with which to govern the development of Hillcrest," with one particular action statement relevant to the case: "More mixed-use opportunities should be provided within the commercial areas, including parts of Kavanaugh, Markham Street, and Stifft Station." The second is "Develop concepts for commercial corridors for parts of Markham Street," consisting of one action statement: "Discontinue the current commercial structures that are not appropriate for Markham. Markham has become degraded by the development of a current pattern of suburban development leading to disagreements about appropriate design of structures, use, scale, image, and hours of operation." Both of these development goals are relevant to this case because the neighborhood action plan discourages suburban strip development. The neighborhood action plan encourages development to be appropriate in scale and design to surrounding uses. In this case special attention should be spent on the building's design, relationship to Markham Street and buildings, and accessibility. Landscape: Areas set aside for buffer and landscaping meet with ordinance requirements. A six-foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side directed outward, a wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required where adjacent to residential properties to the north. G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (October 28, 2004) Mr. Robert Brown was present representing the request. Staff stated the site was currently zoned 0-3, General Office District which would allow for a bank facility to be constructed. Staff stated the site plan included two driveway locations, which would require a variance from the minimum driveway spacing criteria. Staff stated the developer had elected to file a rezoning to POD to allow 4 FILE NO.: Z-7739 (Cont the development to be constructed as proposed including the driveway locations. Staff stated 0-3, General Office District uses were being requested as alternative uses for the site. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the grade of the drive was a critical issue. Staff also stated even though the site did not require detention, water could not be released on West Markham Street. Staff stated underground detention would be required. Staff stated in this area of West Markham Street there was a problem with icing in cold weather. Staff also noted the proposed drives did not meet the minimum spacing requirement. Mr. Brown stated the site was not developable with the proposed use and the placement of drives that met the current ordinance requirement. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated the areas set aside for buffer and landscaping appeared to meet with ordinance requirements. Staff stated screening would be required where adjacent to residential properties. 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 October 28, 2004 Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant has indicated screening along the northern perimeter of the site adjacent to the residentially zoned properties. The applicant has indicated a six foot wood fence will be placed in this area and a large area of existing vegetation will be maintained to add additional screening. The applicant has indicated the drive through hours of operation will be from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday. The applicant has indicated the lobby hours will be from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday only. The applicant is also requesting 0-3 uses as alternative uses for the site. The applicant has indicated the trash dumpster on the proposed site plan. The dumpster is located adjacent to the northern proposed parking area adjacent to residentially zoned properties. The site plan also includes a note concerning the required screening stating screening will be placed per code or a minimum of two feet above the finished container height. Staff is not supportive of the dumpster placement. Staff feels the placement of the dumpster adjacent to the residential properties will have a negative impact with regard to servicing the dumpster. The applicant has indicated they will work with staff concerning the grade of the drive and the detention. Although detention is typically not required on sites less than one acre there is a clause in the ordinance, which allows for detention where there is concern with downstream flooding or safety concerns. Staff will 11 FILE NO.: Z-7739 work with the applicant to resolve this issue prior to a building permit being issued if the development is approved. The applicant is requesting a waiver of the required driveway spacing criteria to allow two one-way drive openings on the property. The applicant has indicated this will allow one-way traffic flow to circulate around the building for drive- through teller and ATM services. The applicant has also indicated fifteen on-site parking spaces on the proposed site plan. The site plan includes the placement of stacking for five to six automobiles resulting in 21 parking spaces. The ordinance typically requires drive through facilities to provide not less than three holding or stacking spaces for each window. The site plan includes the placement of three drive-through facilities which would typically require nine holding spaces. Although the applicant has indicated they do not anticipate the ATM use to be a substantial contributor to peak hour traffic flows, the ordinance typically does not distinguish between peak and non -peak usage. Based on the applicant's design, when cars are stacked for the drive-through lanes, the lobby parking will be rendered unusable due to customers being unable to enter the spaces or exit the spaces upon completion of their transaction. This creates a safety concern and the possibility of cars trying to exit the site against the flow of traffic. Staff feels the site is being overbuilt and the proposed development should be redesigned to allow for sufficient stacking and/or adequate parking to serve the site. Staff is not supportive of the proposed development. Staff recommends denial of the proposed request as filed. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (DECEMBER 2, 2004) Mr. Robert Brown was present representing the request. There were no registered objectors present. The Chair stated there were currently eight Commissioners present. The Chair stated in the past when there were only eight Commissioners present the applicant was offered a deferral. Mr. Brown stated his client would like to defer his request to the December 16, 2004 public hearing. A motion was made to approve the deferral request. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant submitted a revised plan to staff addressing some of the issues and concerns raised by staff in their previous recommendation. The applicant has worked with Public Works to minimize their concerns of stacking on the site. The applicant has 6 FILE NO.: Z-7739 Cont. also removed one of drive through lanes leaving two drives through facilities and one ATM location. The applicant has increased the driveway widths to ten feet to allow for sufficient. stacking on the site. The applicant has also indicated the inside turn radius of 15 -feet and an outside turn radius of 24 -feet. The indicated turn radius is sufficient to allow for the maneuvering of the largest standard size vehicle. Staff is supportive of the proposed drives and turning radius. The site plan also includes an escape lane to allow customers entering the site and not wishing to utilize the drive through facilities an option for exiting the site. Staff feels with this arrangement the utilization of two driveways will have limited impact on traffic flow in the area. Staff is supportive of this the requested variance to allow for reduced driveway spacing on the site. The proposed site plan indicates a reduced landscape strip along the eastern and western perimeters for a portion of the proposed driveway. Since the site is such a small site and staff felt it important to allow for sufficient turning movement staff feels the proposed landscaping is sufficient. The applicant has indicated islands on the proposed site plan, which would not typically be required with the limited number of parking spaces. The applicant has also increased the proposed landscaping/buffering along the northern perimeter to protect the adjoining residential properties. The applicant has provided additional building landscaping as well. With all the additional landscaping the site now has an increased landscape area of 839 square feet over the minimum landscaping typically required. The applicant will however be required to seek approval from the City Beautiful Commission for a reduced landscape strip prior to being forwarded to the Board of Directors for final action. Staff is supportive of the proposed development. Previously staff raised concerns with the over development of the site but with the proposed revisions this concern has been negated. The applicant has removed the proposed dumpster from the site plan, decreased the number of teller lanes, increased the proposed driveway widths and turning radius and increased landscaping where adjacent to residential uses. The indicated three feet landscape strip is adjacent to non-residential uses and the proposed strip is similar to the landscaping provided by the adjoining properties. Staff does not feel the reduced landscaping strip adjacent to a commercial and office use will have a negative impact on the overall area. Staff recommends approval of the proposed revised site plan subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F and the above report where applicable. Staff recommends approval of the requested variance from the driveway spacing criteria. Staff recommends approval of the request to allow a reduced landscape strip of three feet along the eastern and western perimeters of the proposed driveway. 7 FILE NO.: Z-7739 Cont. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (DECEMBER 16, 2004) Mr. Robert Brown of DCI, Inc. was present representing the request. There were no registered objectors present. Staff stated the applicant had submitted a revised plan addressing their concerns, which lead to the previous recommendation of denial. Staff stated they were now supportive of the proposed request and of the applicant's request for a reduced landscape strip along the eastern and western perimeters of the indicated driveway. Staff noted the applicant would be required to seek approval from the City Beautiful Commission as well prior to being forwarded to the Board of Directors for final action. There was no further discussion of the item. The Chair entertained a motion to place the item for inclusion on the Consent Agenda for Approval. A motion was made to this effect. The motion carried by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. N December 16, 2004 ITEM NO.: G FILE NO.: Z-7739 NAME: Markham Bank Short -form PD -O LOCATION: Located on the North side of West Markham Street between Jackson and Monroe Streets EVELOPER: HR Company c/o Tom Cole 900 South Shackleford Road, Suite 210 Little Rock, AR 72211 ENGINEER: Development Consultants, Inc. 2200 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 220 Little Rock, AR 72212 AREA: 0.57 Acres NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 (1 Zoning Lot) FT. NEW STREET: 0 CURRENT ZONING: 0-3, General Office District ALLOWED USES: Office General and Professional PROPOSED ZONING: POD PROPOSED USE: Branch Bank Facility VARIANCESMAIVERS REQUESTED: A variance from ordinances to allow a reduction in the minimum driveway spacing criteria. A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST: The applicant is proposing the development of this 0.57 acre parcel as a branch bank facility with two drive through lanes and one ATM location. The applicant is requesting a waiver of the required driveway spacing criteria to allow two one- way drive openings for the property. The applicant has indicated this will allow one-way traffic flow to circulate around the building for drive-through teller and ATM services. The applicant has indicated this scenario is similar to many other small sites with drive-through services that have been allowed with separate one- way drives. The applicant states in his cover letter many such sites have more December 16, 2004 ITEM NO.: G (Cont. FILE NO.: Z-7739 intense traffic generation, such as the case of restaurants. The applicant's cover letter states the site is unusable without the driveway waiver consideration. The applicant has indicated fifteen on-site parking spaces on the proposed site plan. The site plan also includes the placement of stacking sufficient to allow stacking for five to six automobiles. The applicant has indicated they do not anticipate the ATM use to be a substantial contributor to peak hour traffic flows. The applicant has indicated screening will be added to the northern perimeter of the site where abutting residentially zoned properties. The site plan includes the placement of a six foot wood fence. The applicant has also indicated a portion of the northern buffer will remain as undisturbed. The applicant has indicated the trash dumpster on the proposed site plan. The dumpster is located adjacent to the northern proposed parking area and screened per code. The applicant has indicated the drive through hours of operation will be from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday. The applicant has indicated the lobby hours will be from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday only. The applicant is also requesting 0-3 uses as alternative uses for the site. The applicant has provided a copy of the Bill of Assurance dated April 15, 1941. The proposed request does not appear to be in conflict with the "provided Bill of Assurance. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS: There are a variety of uses located in the area both residential and non-residential in character. The residential uses include both single-family and multi -family and the non-residential include both office and commercial uses. There are State and City owned facilities located to the south of the site including UAMS, the Arkansas Department of Health, War Memorial Park and the Zoo. West Markham Street is a four lane roadway with a center turn lane in this area. There are curb and gutters located adjacent to the site but due to previous paving in the area the curb has been greatly reduced. C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: As of this writing, staff has not received any comment from an area resident concerning the proposed use of the property. All residents who could be identified located within 300 -feet of the site, the Hillcrest Residents 2 December 16, 2004 ITEM NO.: G (Cont. FILE NO.: Z-7739 Neighborhood Association and all owners of property located within 200 -feet of the site were notified of the public hearing. D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS: PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS: 1. During peak hours, there will not be sufficient driveway area to allow three vehicles to queue up at each of the four drive through windows (12 vehicles total), and still allow walk-in customers to park and exit. Vehicles will block the through lanes of Markham waiting to enter. Contact Bill Henry Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1816. 2. Driveway locations and widths do not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. Only a single driveway would be allowed for 36 -feet of frontage. The width of driveway must not exceed 36 -feet. 3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. Sidewalks and ramps must meet current ADA standards. 4. Storm water detention will not apply to the proposed development. 5. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be required prior to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site grading and drainage plans will need to be submitted and approved prior to the start of construction. E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING: Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected. Entergy: Approved as submitted. Center -Point Ener : No comment received. SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. 3/4 -inch is the largest meter size available off the existing water main. Additional fire hydrant(s) will 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: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department at 918-3752 for additional information. 3 December 16, 2004 ITEM NO.: G (Cont. County Planning: No comment. CATA: No comment received. F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN: FILE NO.: Z-7739 Planning Division: This request is located in the Heights Hillcrest Planning District. The Land Use Plan shows Office for this property. The applicant has applied for a Planned Office Development -POD for construction of a bank., The request does not require a change to the Land Use Plan. Master Street Plan: Markham Street, Fair Park Boulevard, and Van Buren Street are shown as Minor Arterials on the Master Street. The purpose of a Minor Arterial is to provide connections to and through an urban area. Markham Street may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street improvements. Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and pedestrians on Markham Street. City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The applicant's property lies in the area covered by the Hillcrest Neighborhood Action Plan. The Zoning and Land Use Goal category has multiple goals. One is to "Create a different set of guidelines with which to govern the development of Hillcrest," with one particular action statement relevant to the case: "More mixed-use opportunities should be provided within the commercial areas, including parts of Kavanaugh, Markham Street, and Stifft Station." The second is "Develop concepts for commercial corridors for parts of Markham Street," consisting of one action statement: "Discontinue the current commercial structures that are not appropriate for Markham. Markham has become degraded by the development of a current pattern of suburban development leading to disagreements about appropriate design of structures, use, scale, image, and hours of operation." Both of these development goals are relevant to this case because the neighborhood action plan discourages suburban strip development. The neighborhood action plan encourages development to be appropriate in scale and design to surrounding uses. In this case special attention should be spent on the building's design, relationship to Markham Street and buildings, and accessibility. Landscape: Areas set aside for buffer and landscaping meet with ordinance requirements. A six-foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side directed outward, a wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required where adjacent to residential properties to the north. 4 December 16, 2004 ITEM NO.: G (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7739 G. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (October 28, 2004) Mr. Robert Brown was present representing the request. Staff stated the site was currently zoned 0-3, General Office District which would allow for a bank facility to be constructed. Staff stated the site plan included two driveway locations, which would require a variance from the minimum driveway spacing criteria. Staff stated the developer had elected to file a rezoning to POD to allow the development to be constructed as proposed including the driveway locations. Staff stated 0-3, General Office District uses were being requested as alternative uses for the site. Public Works comments were addressed. Staff stated the grade of the drive was a critical issue. Staff also stated even though the site did not require detention, water could not be released on West Markham Street. Staff stated underground detention would be required. Staff stated in this area of West Markham Street there was a problem with icing in cold weather. Staff also noted the proposed drives did not meet the minimum spacing requirement. Mr. Brown stated the site was not developable with the proposed use and the placement of drives that met the current ordinance requirement. Landscaping comments were addressed. Staff stated the areas set aside for buffer and landscaping appeared to meet with ordinance requirements. Staff stated screening would be required where adjacent to residential properties. 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 October 28, 2004 Subdivision Committee meeting. The applicant has indicated screening along the northern perimeter of the site adjacent to the residentially zoned properties. The applicant has indicated a six foot wood fence will be placed in this area and a large area of existing vegetation will be maintained to add additional screening. The applicant has indicated the drive through hours of operation will be from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday. The applicant has indicated the lobby hours will be from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday only. The applicant is also requesting 0-3 uses as alternative uses for the site. 5 December 16, 2004 ITEM NO.: G (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7739 The applicant has indicated the trash dumpster on the proposed site plan. The dumpster is located adjacent to the northern proposed parking area adjacent to residentially zoned properties. The site plan also includes a note concerning the required screening stating screening will be placed per code or a minimum of two feet above the finished container height. Staff is not supportive of the dumpster placement. Staff feels the placement of the dumpster adjacent to the residential properties will have a negative impact with regard to servicing the dumpster. The applicant has indicated they will work with staff concerning the grade of the drive and the detention. Although detention is typically not required on sites less than one acre there is a clause in the ordinance, which allows for detention where there is concern with downstream flooding or safety concerns. Staff will work with the applicant to resolve this issue prior to a building permit being issued if the development is approved. The applicant is requesting a waiver of the required driveway spacing criteria to allow two one-way drive openings on the property. The applicant has indicated this will allow one-way traffic flow to circulate around the building for drive- through teller and ATM services. The applicant has also indicated fifteen on-site parking spaces on the proposed site plan. The site plan includes the placement of stacking for five to six automobiles resulting in 21 parking spaces. The ordinance typically requires drive through facilities to provide not less than three holding or stacking spaces for each window. The site plan includes the placement of three drive-through facilities which would typically require nine holding spaces. Although the applicant has indicated they do not anticipate the ATM use to be a substantial contributor to peak hour traffic flows, the ordinance typically does not distinguish between peak and non -peak usage. Based on the applicant's design, when cars are stacked for the drive-through lanes, the lobby parking will be rendered unusable due to customers being unable to enter the spaces or exit the spaces upon completion of their transaction. This creates a safety concern and the possibility of cars trying to exit the site against the flow of traffic. Staff feels the site is being overbuilt and the proposed development should be redesigned to allow for sufficient stacking and/or adequate parking to serve the site. Staff is not supportive of the proposed development. Staff recommends denial of the proposed request as filed. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the request. A December 16, 2004 ITEM NO.: G (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7739 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (DECEMBER 2, 2004) Mr. Robert Brown was present representing the request. There were no registered objectors present. The Chair stated there were currently eight Commissioners present. The Chair stated in the past when there were only eight Commissioners present the applicant was offered a deferral. Mr. Brown stated his client would like to defer his request to the December 16, 2004 public hearing. A motion was made to approve the deferral request. The motion carried by a vote of 8 ayes, 0 noes and 3 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant submitted a revised plan to staff addressing some of the issues and concerns raised by staff in their previous recommendation. The applicant has worked with Public Works to minimize their concerns of stacking on the site. The applicant has also removed one of drive through lanes leaving two drives through facilities and one ATM location. The applicant has increased the driveway widths to ten feet to allow for sufficient stacking on the site. The applicant has also indicated the inside turn radius of 15 -feet and an outside turn radius of 24 -feet. The indicated turn radius is sufficient to allow for the maneuvering of the largest standard size vehicle. Staff is supportive of the proposed drives and turning radius. The site plan also includes an escape lane to allow customers entering the site and not wishing to utilize the drive through facilities an option for exiting the site. Staff feels with this arrangement the utilization of two driveways will have limited impact on traffic flow in the area. Staff is supportive of this the requested variance to allow for reduced driveway spacing on the site. The proposed site plan indicates a reduced landscape strip along the eastern and western perimeters for a portion of the proposed driveway. Since the site is such a small site and staff felt it important to allow for sufficient turning movement staff feels the proposed landscaping is sufficient. The applicant has indicated islands on the proposed site plan, which would not typically be required with the limited number of parking spaces. The applicant has also increased the proposed landscaping/buffering along the northern perimeter to protect the adjoining residential properties. The applicant has provided additional building landscaping as well. With all the additional landscaping the site now has an increased landscape area of 839 square feet over the minimum landscaping typically required. The applicant will however be required to seek approval from the City Beautiful Commission for a reduced landscape strip prior to being forwarded to the Board of Directors for final action. Staff is supportive of the proposed development. Previously staff raised concerns with the over development of the site but with the proposed revisions this concern has been 7 December 16, 2004 ITEM NO.: G (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-7739 negated. The applicant has removed the proposed dumpster from the site plan, decreased the number of teller lanes, increased the proposed driveway widths and turning radius and increased landscaping where adjacent to residential uses. The indicated three feet landscape strip is adjacent to non-residential uses and the proposed strip is similar to the landscaping provided by the adjoining properties. Staff does not feel the reduced landscaping strip adjacent to a commercial and office use will have a negative impact on the overall area. Staff recommends approval of the proposed revised site plan subject to compliance with the conditions outlined in paragraphs D, E and F and the above report where applicable. Staff recommends approval of the requested variance from the driveway spacing criteria. Staff recommends approval of the request to allow a reduced landscape strip of three feet along the eastern and western perimeters of the proposed driveway. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Mr. Robert Brown of DCI, Inc. was present representing the request. There were no registered objectors present. Staff stated the applicant had submitted a revised plan addressing their concerns, which lead to the previous recommendation of denial. Staff stated they were now supportive of the proposed request and of the applicant's request for a reduced landscape strip along the eastern and western perimeters of the indicated driveway. Staff noted the applicant would be required to seek approval from the City Beautiful Commission as well prior to being forwarded to the Board of Directors for final action. There was no further discussion of the item. The Chair entertained a motion to place the item for inclusion on the Consent Agenda for Approval. A motion was made to this effect. The motion carried by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. E.3 ITEM NO 13 NAME: Markham Bank Short -form PD -O FILE NO.: Z-7739 LOCATION: located on the North side of West Markham Street between Jackson and Monroe Streets Planning Staff Comments: 1. Provide notification of property owners located within 200 -feet of the site, complete with the certified abstract list, notice form with affidavit executed and proof of mailing. 2. Provide the Bill of Assurance for the existing subdivision. 3. Provide the days and hours of operation. 4. Provide the estimated number of employees. 5. Is there any fencing proposed as a result of the development? If so indicate the proposed location along with details concerning fence height and construction material. Variance/Waivers: A variance from ordinances to allow a reduction in the minimum driveway spacing criteria. Public Works. - 1 . orks: 1. During peak hours, there will not be sufficient driveway area to allow three vehicles to queue up at each of the four drive through windows (12 vehicles total), and still allow walk-in customers to park and exit. Vehicles will block the through lanes of Markham waiting to enter. Contact Bill Henry Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1816. 2. Driveway locations and widths do not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. Only a single driveway would be allowed for 36 -feet of frontage. The width of driveway must not exceed 36 -feet. 3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right- of-way prior to occupancy. Sidewalks and ramps must meet current ADA standards. 4. Storm water detention will not apply to the proposed development. 5. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be required prior to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site grading and drainage plans will need to be submitted and approved prior to the start of construction. Utilities and Fire Department/County Planning: Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected. Entergy: Approved as submitted. Center -Point Enerav: No comment received. SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. 3/4 -inch is the largest meter size available off the existing water main. Additional fire hydrant(s) will 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: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department at 918-3752 for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: No comment received. Planning Division: Landscape: Areas set aside for buffer and landscaping meet with ordinance requirements. A six-foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side directed outward, a wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required where adjacent to residential properties to the north. Revised plat/plan: Submit four (4) copies of a revised preliminary plan (to include the additional information as noted above) to staff on Wednesday, November 3, 2004. ITEM NO.: 13 FILE NO.: 7-7739 NAME: Markham Bank Short -form PD -O LOCATION: located on the North side of West Markham Street between Jackson and Monroe Streets Planning Staff Comments;, 1. Provide notification of property owners located within 200 -feet of the site, complete with the certified abstract list, notice form with affidavit executed and proof of mailing. 2. Provide the Bill of Assurance for the existing subdivision. 3. Provide the days and hours of operation. 4. Provide the estimated number of employees. 5. Is there any fencing proposed as a result of the development? If so indicate the proposed location along with details concerning fence height and construction material. Variance/Waivers: A variance from ordinances to allow a reduction in the minimum driveway spacing criteria. f Public Works: J# I,a{ StLIX yj k hours, there will not be sufficient a to allow three vehicles 1. During pea o Y to queue up at each of the four drive through windows (12 vehicles total), and still allow walk-in customers to park and exit. Vehicles will block the through lanes of Markham waiting to enter. Contact Bill Henry Traffic Engineering at (501) 379-1816. 2. Driveway locations and widths do not meet the traffic access and circulation requirements of Sections 30-43 and 31-210. Only a single driveway would be allowed for 364eet of frontage. The width of driveway must not exceed 36 -feet. 3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right- of-way prior to occupancy. Sidewalks and ramps must meet current ADA standards. 4. Storm water detention will not apply to the proposed development. 5. A grading permit in accordance with Section 29-186 (c) and (d) will be required prior to any land clearing or grading activities at the site. Site grading and drainage plans will need to be submitted and approved prior to the start of construction. Utilities and Fire D artment1Cmy Planning: Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected. Entergy: Approved as submitted. Center -Point Energy: No comment received. SBC: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: All Central Arkansas Water requirements in effect at the time of request for water service must be met. 3/4 -inch is the largest meter size available off the existing water main. Additional fire hydrant(s) will 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: Place fire hydrants per code. Contact the Little Rock Fire Department at 918-3752 for additional information. County Planning: No comment. CATA: No comment received. Planning_ Division: Landscape: Areas set aside for buffer and landscaping meet with ordinance requirements. A six-foot high opaque screen, either a wooden fence with its face side directed outward, a wall, or dense evergreen plantings, is required where adjacent to residential properties to the north. Revised plat/plan: Submit four (4) copies of a revised preliminary plan (to include the additional information as noted above) to staff on Wednesday, November 3, 2004.