06-09-2016 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 9, 2016 CONDITIONAL Chair Duray stated that he will be abstaining from a vote on this planning USE PERMIT TO case because he owns a business in Little Canada that could be considered ADD A DRIVE- competition for the proposed business. THRU FOR A RESTAURANT IN The City Planner stated that this request is for a conditional use permit to A RETAIL MALL allow a drive-thru to be added to the strip mall known as the Rice at C Center, which was built in 1987. He stated that the zoning ordinance allows convenience restaurants with a drive-thru as a conditional use in this zoning district, but the Planning Commission should consider any potential adverse affects as part of the application. The City Planner stated that the proposed new tenant is a Little Caesar's Pizza restaurant that would occupy the north end of the shopping center with a drive-thru. He stated that the submitted site plans shows that traffic would enter from north driveway on Rice Street, go around the Valvoline building, and snake a 180 degree turn to pull up to the menu board, then to the pickup window on the north end of the building. He explained that existing traffic would go around the Valvoline building and out to Rice Street through the north driveway. He stated that headlight glare is often a concern for residential neighbors. He noted that there is a privacy fence that goes around the property, although it is somewhat in disrepair, and applicant has proposed additional landscaping to help screen the neighbors. The City Planner stated that Staff proposes more screening on top of the retaining wall, and after reviewing the original site plan for the shopping center, he found there was supposed to be evergreens for screening the adjacent homes. The City Planner stated that the parking on the site is more than sufficient, and more than required, even after removing some for the drive-thru lane. He noted that the applicant completed a parking study on different days and times which showed there was plenty of spaces available. He stated the applicant proposes to replace lighting on the building with new hooded lights to reduce glare. He explained that there should not be any change to the grading or drainage on the site. The City Planner stated that the applicant would be installing the amount of signage that is allowed for each tenant. He noted that noise from the order board will need to be contained since it is the closest component to the residential properties. He explained that this restaurant and drive-thru use is consistent with the zoning of the property, although Staff has some recommendations in the staff report to help minimize possible issues. Davison asked if the Little Caesar's has considered not having a drive-thru at this location. Schletty-Flores asked what the drive-thru traffic count would be. Neal Anderson, property owner, stated that Little Caesar's will only come in if they can have a drive-thru. He stated that the traffic count -3-