HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-7836 Staff AnalysisJuly 21, 2005
ITEM NO.: A
NAME:
LOCATION,
OWNER/APPLICANT:
PROPOSAL:
1. SITE LOCATION:
Z-7836
Ransom Accessory Dwelling —
Conditional Use Permit
1623 N. University Avenue
Kenneth Ransom/Mike Ransom
A conditional use permit is requested to allow for
construction of an accessory dwelling on this R-2
zoned lot.
The property is located on the east side of University Avenue; one block
south of Cantrell Road.
2. COMPATIBILITY WITH NEIGHBORHOOD:
The property is located within a small single family residential
neighborhood which is bordered by office and multi -family developments
on the south and the Heights Commercial District on the north. The older
neighborhood, east of University, of which this property is part, is stable
and most all of the homes are well maintained. The somewhat newer
residential neighborhood, across University is stable and well maintained
as well. The applicant's proposal is to use both the existing residence and
proposed accessory dwelling as rental property. Staff questions
if the proposed use is of benefit to the neighborhood and whether the use
would be compatible with the single family properties.
All owners of property located within 200 feet of the site, all residents
within 300 feet who could be identified and the Hillcrest, Forest Park and
South Normandy Neighborhood Associations were notified.
3. ON SITE DRIVES AND PARKING:
The principal dwelling and accessory dwelling each require one, on-site
parking space. The applicant proposes to construct a three -vehicle
parking pad at the rear of the site, taking access off of the alley.
4. SCREENING AND BUFFERS:
No comments.
July 21, 2005
ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-
5. PUBLIC WORKS COMMENTS:
No Comments.
6. UTILITY FIRE DEPT. AND CATA COMMENTS:
Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected.
Entergy: No Comments received.
CenterPoint Energy: Approved as submitted.
Southwestern Bell: No Comments received.
Water: Contact Central Arkansas Water if additional or larger water
meter(s) are required.
Fire Department: No Comments.
County Planning: No Comments.
CATA: The site is located on a CATA Bus Route.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (MAY 19, 2005)
Kenneth Ransom was present representing the application. Staff presented the
item and noted additional information was needed regarding building design,
number of bedrooms and building setbacks. Staff noted a copy of the Bill of
Assurance needed to be provided. Staff asked if separate utilities were
requested.
There were no other comments to discuss.
The applicant was instructed to respond to staff comments by May 25, 2005.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The R-2 zoned property located at 1623 North University is occupied by a one
story single family residence. The applicant proposes to construct a two-story
accessory dwelling and three -car parking pad near the rear of the lot. The
accessory dwelling will contain one bedroom. The building will be designed to
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July 21, 2005
ITEM NO.: A
FILE NO.: Z-7836
compliment the home's craftsman style; siding, 3 tab shingles, single gable and
exposed rafter tails. Separate water and electric meters are requested. The
structure will not have gas service. The applicant states no Bill of Assurance
was available from the County.
Staff has concerns about the applicant's proposal. While the concept of having
an accessory dwelling is not viewed as negative by staff, this particular proposal
is to create two rental units on the property. The property owner will not live on
site. Staff believes there is value in having the property owner occupy the site
when an accessory dwelling is involved. There clearly is a greater level of
responsibility and accountability when the property owner is on-site.
The Code typically requires the property owner to live on site and only allows
two-story accessory dwellings when the ground -floor is a garage. The structure
is also proposed to have a side yard setback of 2 feet on the south side; the
Code requires 3 feet.
While the Commission does have authority to vary the standards related to
occupancy, number of floors and setbacks, staff does not believe it would be in
the best interest of this neighborhood to allow the accessory dwelling under
those conditions.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends denial of the application.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
(JUNE 9, 2005)
The applicant was not present. There were two objectors present. Staff
informed the Commission that the applicant had failed to send the required
notices.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and deferred to the July 21, 2005
Agenda by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
(JULY 21, 2005)
The applicant was not present. There were two objectors present. Staff
informed the Commission that the applicants had requested that the item be
withdrawn. A motion was made to waive the bylaws and allow the late
withdrawal request. The motion was approved by a vote of 11 ayes, 0 noes and
0 absent. The item was then placed on the Consent Agenda and approved for
withdrawal by a vote of 11 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
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SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENTS
MAY 19, 2005
ITEM NO.: 11 RANSOM ACCESSORY DWELLING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT Z-7835
Planning Staff Comments: 1 W,41
1. Provide copy of Bill of Assurance.
2. Provide number of bedrooms in proposed accessory dwelling.
3. Label setbacks from all property lines.
4. Provide information on building design; materials, roof, etc...
5. Are separate utilities requested?
Variance/Waivers:
• Two story accessory dwelling.
• Property owner will not occupy either dwelling.
Public Works:
1. No Comments. 1—(
Utilities and Fire Deoartment/County Planning:
Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected.
Entergy: No comment received.
Reliant: Approved as submitted.
Southwestern Bell: No comment received.
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Water: Contact Central Arkansas Water if additional or larger water meter(s) are required.
Fire Department: No Comments. •n f C�
County Planning: No Comments. v� s C
CATA: The site is located on a CATA bus route.
Plannin Division: No Comments.
Landscape: No Comments.
Other: Submit responses to staff issues no later than Wednesday May 18, 2005.
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