04-12-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 12, 2007 With regard to parking requirements, Johansen presented an in-depth analysis of customer volume levels on various days of the week and at peak times. Based on his analysis, he felt that the parking proposed was more than adequate and supported the CUP request for proof of parking. Johansen also indicated that they are seeking a Comprehensive Sign Plan approval, and would stay within the I S% of wall space allowed for signage. Duray indicated that in visiting the Levitz store in the past, he has never seen the parking lot more than half full. Johansen noted that Hom will be adding 60 parking spaces from what already exist on the site. The City Planner indicated that he is satisfied that the parking will be more than adequate. Duray asked if the sign plan was satisfactory. Johansen stated that Hom would stay within the square footage of signage that they are allowed. The existing pylon will be retained and only the sign face will be changed out. Johansen noted that the property is allowed to have two pylons, and dependent on the renters that they have, Hom may request a second pylon. Johansen asked for approval of the list of potential tenants that he presented to the Commission. Johansen indicated that they are doing their due diligence on the site and building right now, and would like to know the potential uses that would be allowed on the property before moving forward with the purchase. Johansen noted that those potential tenants would be low volume users and would not cause a parking problem on the site. The City Planner indicated that the property is zoned Business-Warehouse (B-W) which allows office, office/warehouse, and office/showroom uses. The Planner indicated that the proposed amendment prepared by his office would include the uses the applicant indicated in their preliminary discussions with his office. The question is how wide open the District should be to retail uses versus showroom uses. The Planner noted that he just received this list of potential users from Hom Furniture this evening. Therefore, he was not prepared to make a recommendation. The Planner indicated that another option may be to consider a different zoning for the property. Johansen reported that Hom's option period for this site ends in a couple of days before the City Council meeting. He is trying to get the option extended, and does not want to jeopardize the escrow dollars that Hom has put down on the site. There are other issues that must be reviewed and finalized as well, such as roof condition and the condition of mechanicals. Johansen noted that Levitz had a retail use of this site, Knox had a retail use in the area, and there is the current Rose Galleries retail use. Johansen noted that Hom Furniture would substantially upgrade and clean this site. 11-