PL PACKET 06181996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT DATE: June 18, 1996 TO: Planning Commission Members FROM: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant ITEM: Setback Variance for Parking -- Unocal 76 Service Station BACKGROUND: Roger Bona, owner of the Unocal 76 service station at 2812 - 27th Avenue NE, is requesting a 10 foot variance to park in the front yard parking setback along Kenzie Terrace. They are proposing that this area be restricted to temporary parking only for the purpose of parking cars scheduled for repair. Mr. Bona is proposing an expansion of 5,613 square feet, that will require an additional 19 parking spaces. His site plan shows 21 parking spaces on site and two of these parking spaces are in the front yard setback. The old meat market building will be demolished to make way for a portion of the proposed on-site parking. The application letter indicates that the intention is to park only to the property line, leaving the remaining bituminous surface available for a sidewalk. Again, they are basing their argument upon the apparent precedent of the surrounding area. As Mr. Finneman states in the application letter, the area has developed a "historical dependence" on using the parking setback of their property for parking or driveways. The City Council has also approved a similar request for Phillips 66. At the same time that the canopy variance was granted to the Phillips 66 service station, Staff also recommended that they be allowed to have a variance to 0 feet for the purpose of providing limited parking to the property_line. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of this variance request. Due to the irregular shape of the. property and the nature of their business, the applicant feels it necessary to keep temporary parking on-site. They have purchased property adjacent to the Unocal 76 service station- which is being planned for employee and overflow parking. Only the parking on-site will be used for vehicles scheduled for maintenance and repair. As the application letter states, they considered landscaping the setback, but determined that this effort would be futile because of the snow, ice and salt placed there in the winter from plowing. A more appropriate use was for temporary parking. They will enhance the landscaping at the front of the building to compensate for the amount of parking that is necessary for the conduct of business.