11-14-1979 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 27, 1979 Page Four 4. Rezoning. Concern has been voiced from the Council that approval of the rezoning request would constitute "spot zoning ", that in the future the applicant would wish to expand the existing building, and that potentially a precedent would be set for expanding the commercial district further. From a planning perspective, this does not in any way constitute spot zoning. Rather, it is simply an adjustment to an existing district boundary. In terms of future expansion of the existing shopping center, it must be noted that although the proposed improvements would make the shopping center more conforming, it would still remain a nonconforming structure due to lack of parking, and a non- conforming structure may not be expanded. In terms of setting precedence, the only precedent being set is that the City is grabbing at an opportunity to resolve a noted problem situation. 5. Land Use Compatibility. The proposed expansion is not considered to be incompatible with surrounding properties. In fact, improvement of the parking and circulation systems tend to increase the compatibility. Since the applicant owns the property to the south, anyone who buys that house will be aware of the parking expansion. As far as residents to the southeast, the lots are considered deep enough and the houses set far enough away that the expansion should have little or no impact. Further, if a taller, screened fence is required, their veiw should be improved over what currently exists. RECOMMENDATION Based upon the preceding analysis, the following improvement opportunities are presented: 1. Parking for the shopping center is increased, bringing the center closer to conformance with City standards. 2. Circulation, both for the center and Lakeshore Avenue, is improved - potentially reducing congestion and traffic hazard. 3. Curb openings are brought up to City standards. 4. Recommended 48" (slatted) fence provides better screening than existing fence. 5. Trash areas are removed from view, improving traffic visibility and visual appearance. 6. Building setback (from residential property line) is brought closer to conformance with City standards.