PC Packet 07-17-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Screening/Landscaping The applicant has stated in the narrative provided they will maintain the existing perimeter 8' privacy fence. The applicant also indicates the existing landscaping would be maintained. This seems appropriate given the use of the property. Because the site will house a large amount of vehicles, staff recommends the existing fence be maintained and repaired/replaced as necessary. Lighting The applicant has stated in the narrative provided that adequate lighting should be in-place currently. Because there are no residential uses nearby, limited lighting requirements apply to the site. However, should the applicant need to install/replace any lighting it should be in compliance with Zoning Code Section 11-010(6). Simply, this requires the fixtures to be directed downward with the actual light filament shielded and poles not to be freestanding in a parking lot, but rather located along the perimeter of the site or within a safety island. Public Works Public Works staff has provided an interoffice memorandum, attached as an exhibit. The primary concerns are traffic and excessive travel time delays at the intersection of Old Highway 8 SW and 1st Street SW. This is confirmed from complaints that have been received going back to January 2011. Also, a representative of Estes Express Lines across 1st Street SW has inquired about the proposal and expressed these same traffic concerns (it should be noted that the owner has stated no objections). It is recommended the applicant conduct a traffic study. Without the traffic study, City staff cannot determine what impacts the proposed use will have on traffic. Should the applicant prepare a traffic study, those results could to discussed internally and with the applicants and the County, with such analysis being reported at the August 21st Planning Commission meeting. Without these results, Public Works staff cannot comment favorably on the proposal. Public Safety Public Safety did provide traffic accident data for the intersection at 1st Street SW and Old Highway 8. Since 2011, there have been three accidents at this intersection. This bolsters the concerns noted later in this report related to traffic. Building Official The Building Official reviewed the plans and has determined the proposed use would constitute a "change in use" under the Building Code. This requires the applicant to bring all systems up to current code standards. This review and analysis typically occurs in conjunction with a building permit. However, the applicant may want to review the existing systems in the facilities to determine how great an effort this could be. Special Use Permit Criteria In addition to the zoning issues discussed above, the Planning Commission must find the proposal in conformance with the following special use permit criteria of Zoning Code Section 8-130 (staff responses in italics): (1) That the establishment, maintenance, or operations of the special use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare. It is of staff's opinion that this criterion is only partially met. The applicant has not provided enough information for staff to conclude that the existing traffic conditions on 1st ST SW and at the intersection of Old Highway 8 SW, coupled with the applicant's operations, will not be detrimental to or endanger public safety. The applicant has provided information regarding the