HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Memo to ZBA from Planning & Housing dated July 22, 2011 a
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Caring People Department of Planning & Housing
Quality Programs
Exceptional Service
TO: Zoning Board of Adjustment
FROM: Charlie Kuester
DATE: July 22, 2011
SUBJECT: Variance request from Mary Greeley Medical Center from 15-foot Buffer Requirement
During the review of the proposed site plan of the Mary Greeley Medical Center project, staff
determined that a 15-foot buffer is required along Duff Avenue. Accordingly, MGMC submitted a
variance request from that requirement since the proposed parking lot was only 5.14 feet from the street.
However, upon further examination of the Ames Municipal Code, the buffer requirement is seen to
apply to locations along the perimeter of the Special-Hospital/Medical zoning district that abut a street
right-of-way and not necessarily along any lot line adjacent to street right-of-way in the S-HM zoning
district.
The text of Section 29.1001(5) is noted here:
(a) where the boundary of the S-HM District is marked by a street, a buffer area of not less than
fifteen feet in width shall be maintained abutting the S-HM side of street right-of-way. No
structures shall be permitted in said area except for a high screen or high wall that conforms to the
requirements of Section 29.403(1)(c) or 29.403(1)(d), respectively. The buffer area shall be
landscaped in accordance with the L 1 standards set forth in Section 29.403(1)(a).
Staff has determined that the variance request for the buffer requirement is not necessary.
SAPLAN_SHR\Council Boards Commissions\ZBA\Variances\1111DuffBuffer-07-27-1 Ldoc