PC Packet 07-15-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Not Approved Planner Janice Gundlach reported the applicant is requesting Site Plan and Nonconforming Use Permit approval to allow construction of a 26' x 32' open air canopy addition to the existing building located at 480 5th Avenue NW/Old Highway 8 NW, known as Eurotech Auto. The proposed canopy addition would be constructed at the northeast corner of the building and allow patrons a covered area to drop off and pick up their vehicles. No additional interior square footage is proposed nor is any changes to the existing surface parking lot. In conjunction with the proposed canopy addition,the applicant intends to install 3' of dry stack stone and a new stucco exterior to the eastern and northern facades along with a new paint scheme in a natural beige color. The applicant initially contacted staff several months ago inquiring about the approval process for this project. A review of existing site conditions was conducted and nonconformities were discovered. Staff then engaged in a conversation with the applicant about decreasing nonconformities, namely the front yard parking lot setback as excess land exists behind the building to accommodate lot parking. The owner was very resistant to any additional improvements to the site, beyond the proposed canopy addition. Staff researched City files and discovered similar nonconformities were allowed to remain in 1984 in connection with a project to expand the building. Based on the approvals from 1984,the applicant's resistance to expand the project scope,and the overall impact of the proposed project, staff abandoned an initial request to decrease nonconformities on the site. Staff recommends approval of the Site Plan and Nonconforming Use Permit as requested, subject to the following conditions: • The parking lot is striped to delineate available parking stalls. • Any exterior wall or ground signs shall obtain a separate Sign Permit. Commissioner Deick asked if the applicant could have signs on two sides of the building, given the fact the building fronts two streets. =Planner Gundlach explained the applicant could have three signs,one on the Old Highway 8 façade, along with signs on the 5th Street NW and 9th Avenue NW facades. She did not anticipate that the applicant would locate a sign on the rear of the building. Chairperson Howard requested further information on the proposed façade improvements. Caleb Wilkins,representative for Eurotech Auto, discussed the proposed façade improvements in detail with the Commission. He explained that dry stacked stone and stucco materials would be used on the front and side of the building. He indicated the remainder of the building would be painted to match the stucco. Commissioner Danger questioned if outdoor storage was a concern for this business. Planner Gundlach did not believe this would be a concern. Pat Rother, 490 9th Avenue NW, explained he lives adjacent to Eurotech Auto. He believed that the proposed canopy would impinge on the parking stalls. He reported the parking lot would have 22 parking spaces when 32 parking stalls are required. He noted that cars were being parked to the rear of the building. He requested further information on the type of lighting that would be used in the canopy. Planner Gundlach discussed the parking situation noting the rear of the building would be striped to allow for additional legal parking stalls. In addition,the two parking stalls lost from the canopy could be housed under the canopy. She indicated that auto repair uses are allowed parking space credits for each service bay and for this reason, staff was comfortable with the parking available onsite. She reported the lighting within the canopy would be downward facing. She stated the Planning Commission could create a third condition for approval that would refer to City Code Section 11-010(6)regarding lighting. She did not believe that the canopy lights would exceed the .4 foot candle standards. Motion by Commissioner Danger,seconded by Commissioner Erickson to close the Public Hearing. Approved 6-0. Motion by Commissioner Danger,seconded by Commissioner Erickson,to approve staff recommendation. Commissioner McPherson did not believe it was necessary to add a third condition to address the lighting as the requirements were clear within City Code. 4