03/12/1997 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board March 12, 1997 Page 14 exception. Along the street a front setback of 20 feet is requested instead of the required 30 feet, which has not been formally adopted under LB zoning regulations. Secondly, the zoning ordinance requires not less than 35 percent of open space. Approximately 23 percent of this site will be open space. To the north of the site is a proposed ponding area and public open space owned by the City. The variance is requested due to the proximity of the City -owned open space. Landscaping is shown on the north side of the shared access, perimeter and rear of the property along County Road 23. It is recommended that the landscape plan be formally reviewed by the City Forester and CPTED Officer. Plantings are consistent with Town Center Village guidelines. Prairie grass is suggested rather than a manicured lawn for green space. In recognition of the use of prairie grass, it must be understood that part of maintenance needs is periodic burning. Mr. Brixius stated that Village guidelines require the exterior to be of a low maintenance material, and the applicant has undertaken revisions that will be consistent with the defined Village performance standards. The guidelines specify that building facades should be a minimum of 50 percent of the property frontage. The clinic building facade with the 5 -foot wall facade meets this 50 percent requirement. The City Zoning Ordinance does not stipulate parking standards for medical facilities. However, there is a standard for professional office buildings that could be used which would require 58 off - street parking spaces to accommodate the first phase of construction. With the expansion, 86 spaces would be required. The planned 77 spaces would exceed the standard for the first phase. A trash container will be located on the west side of the facility and will be fully enclosed according to set standards. Lighting will be reviewed by the architectural consultant. Grading and drainage is subject to the City Engineer's review. Staff is recommending overall site plan approval of the Fairview Clinic, subject to the conditions listed in the March 6, 1997 staff report, including approval of the two requested variances. Mr. Wessel explained that two acres would be needed to accommodate the proposed clinic with required green space. Because the City plans to retain ownership of the ponding area, special consideration is requested for the green space variance. The reason for the setback variance is to orient the building to allow for a visual penetration of the area that will pull people in. The idea is to create a small town atmosphere. The architecture guidelines are the keystone to the entire development. Fairview Clinic has been cooperative with these standards that will set the tone for a quality look. This project is a gateway statement and fits within the architectural guidelines. Mr. Dunn stated that he wanted it understood that there are mitigating circumstances to allow the variance to green space and thanked staff for the • •