HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-9082 Staff AnalysisSEPTEMBER 28, 2015
ITEM NO.: 6
File No.:
Z-9082
Owner:
Best Park
Applicant:
Vera Chenault, Urban Garden Montessori School
Address: Southwest Corner of W. 6t" Street and Main Street
Description: South side of W. 6th Street, between Main and Louisiana
Streets.
Zoned: UU
Variance Requested: A variance is requested from the use provisions of Section
36-342.1 to allow an outdoor playground use in the UU zoning
district.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
Present Use of Property: Playground
Proposed Use of Property: Playground
STAFF REPORT
A. Public Works Issues:
No Comments
B. Staff Analysis:
The UU zoned property at the southwest corner of W. 6t" Street and Main Street is
occupied by a paved parking lot. An access drive from W. 6t" Street serves as
access. A paved alley runs along the west side of the lot. Recently the west one-
third of the parking lot was fenced and converted to an outdoor playground for the
Urban Garden Montessori School located at 610 Main Street. The school is
located in the commercial building south of the playground. The playground
includes a canopy shade structure near the center of the playground area. Raised
planter beds and picnic tables are also located within the playground area.
Section 36-342.1(d)(1) of the City's Zoning Ordinance states that all uses within
the UU (Urban Use) zoning district must be inside or enclosed. Therefore, the
applicant is requesting a variance to allow a portion of the existing paved parking
lot to be used as an outdoor playground area for the Urban Garden Montessori
School which occupies the building to the south.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
ITEM NO.: 6 (CON'T.)
Staff is supportive of the requested variance to allow the playground area as an
outdoor use at this location within the UU zoning district. Staff views the request
as reasonable. The property has a history of use as a parking lot which is also
considered an outdoor use. Additionally, the proposed outdoor use is not
commercial in nature, with the playground area to be used intermittently throughout
the day. Staff believes the proposed playground area will have no adverse impact
on the adjacent properties or the general area.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the variance to allow an outdoor use in the UU
zoning district, as filed.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT (September 28, 2015)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the
application with a recommendation of approval. There was no further discussion.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda for approval as recommended by staff.
The vote was 4 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. The application was approved.
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