06-08-06 Planning Comm. Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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written. However, we feel that perhaps the ordinance in and of itself does not address those problems that may have occured and that if enforcement were to become an issue, there would be other solutions to any future problems by using the annual review for renewal process that currently exists for licensing. If the City has concerns about increased traffic, we can assuade those fears by explaining our method of selling. For the cars we retail, we place advertisements in the local paper and show cars strictly by appointment. Most people who respond to the ads are not interested once they find out about the salvage history of the cars and never end up coming to our shop. The few that do, come by appointment only since our primary business is the operation of the repairs of the cars we inventory. We do not, nor have we ever, operated a traditional retail sales lot with all the promotional periphenalia and "browsers." There may be a perception in the interpretation of the 500 foot ordinance that it was written to protect existing license holders. We were told in a meeting with the city planner that it was not meant to be "protectionist" for business. It was meant to allow the City more control over this type of business. However, we would address any concern regarding competetion with the other license holder as being unwarranted. We deal in late model, mostly foreign cars for the few retail sales that we make, and mostly late model ('98 or newer) American cars for wholesale. We are not in direct competition as our inventory is completely different, our customer is different in nature and our sales are by appointment only. We do not offer financing, leasing or taking oftrade-ins. If this variance were not granted, it would prevent us from putting the property to reasonable use. Granting the variance would not alter the essential character of the area, two of the findings to be considered when granting a variance. If the spirit and intent of the ordinance is to retain control of zoning and compliance, we feel that this is already accomplished through the limitation of the total number of licenses granted and through the annual renewal process. Please evaluate our request on its own merit for our individual needs and intended use. Be assured that we will do our best to address any valid issues the City may have. 4. APPLICATION FEE OF $500 ENCLOSED.