HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Use Permit to operate a religious institution at 320 South 17th StreetCITY OF AMES, IOWA
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
IN T1 I E MATTT ER OF T1I E
APPIACATION OF HARVEST
VINEYARD CHURCH FOR A SPECIAL
USE PERMIT, § 29.1503(4), AMES
MUNICIPAL CODE, TO OPERATE A
REGLIGIOUS INSTITUTION ON THE
PIZOPERTY LOCATH) AT
320 SOUTH 17"" 1 ST.
FACTS
CASE NO. 14-32
SE, F 4 L2O 1 J5
L
CITY OF AMFS, 1'0WA
GEOC"ODE NO. 09-14-126-080
DECISION & ORDER
convert
(hproperty i�rt
I I i ghwayitedmiaI 0C.). TheApplicantrequeststo
the use 01" property 320 South I 7t" Street from a fitness center (Ames 16equet and
Fitness Center) to a religious Institution (Harvest Vineyard Church). The site is approximately
2.8 acres. Boundaries of the site are the westbound U.S. I lighway 30 ramp from DUf11'Avenue 0u
the south, South 17"' Street to the north, Hlectric Wholesale Company (an electrical supply
business) on the cast, and the Aspen Business park Subdivision to the west.
The facility includes 63,340 square feet of" floor area. T'lie proposed project Would have two
single -story sections, 15,833 square feet for the worship center, and 15,417 square feet for two
tennis Courts retained from the racquet and fitness center use. A two story section, consisting of.
32,090 square feet, will serve general church functions.
Vehicular access to the site is provided by two driveways from South 17"' Street, one for ingress
and the other for egress. Pedestrian access will be facilitated by the installation of a 5-foot wide
sidewalk in the public right-of-way running parallel to South 17t" Street, and connecting to a
5-foot wide sidewalk leading to the main entrance to (lie building.
The existing parking lot, consisting of' 138 parking spaces, will be retained in its present
configuration. The new use as a place of'worship requires a finnitnurn of one (1) space for every
four (4) seats in the main auditorium. The 441 seats planned for the main auditorium generates
the need for I I I parking spaces. The tellfliS Courts require a minimum of eight (8) parking
spaces. Parking is provided to meet the minimum number of required spaces plus an additional
nineteen (19). Five (5) handicap -accessible spaces will be located near the main entrance of the
facility to meet rninirnurn standards.
A new main entrance to the facility, including a vestibule, will be established south of the Current
entrance location to provide direct access from the parking lot into the worship center (main
auditorium). This new entrance will be identified with a canopy that extends out approximately
eight (8) 1'(-,,et from the front building fao;,ade.
Perimeter parking lot landscaping will be added along the east, north and South parking lot
perimeters to meet the required ri-iinil-M.1111 landscaping standards in section 29.40") of the
Municipal Code.
The Board finds that the facility, as described in the application and in the Findings of Fact,
above, is consistent with the general principles and proposals ofthe C,ity's 1-and Use policy plan,
as the I 10C zoning contemplates religious institutions; that the building is designed, constructed
and will be maintained so as to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing
and intended character of the general vicinity and will not change the essential character of the
facility; that the use will not be hazardous or disturbing to existing or future uses in the same
general vicinity; that the building will be adequately served by essential public facilities and
services; that the use will not create excessive additional requirerrients at public cost for public
facilities or services; that the use will not be detrimental to any person, property or the general
welfare; that the use is consistent with the intent Of purpose of the zone in which it is proposed to
be located; that it is compatible with the potential commercial development and use of the
property planned to occur in the area; that it represents a Sufficiently desirable need for the entire
community; and, that it is consistent with all other applicable standards in the zone.
DECISION
The Board considers the standards applicable to Special Use Permits from the provisions of the
zoning ordinance. having heard the evidence presented about this proposed facility, the Board
finds that it meets the general standards for a Special I Jse Permit in section 29.1 503(4)(a) and(e).
Based upon evidence presented and the findings in the staff report, the Board determines that
granting the permit is appropriate.
ORDER
WHEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that the applicant is GRANTI'D, per section 29.1 503(4)(a)
and (e) of the Ames Municipal Code, a Special Use Permit for a religious institution on the
property located at 320 South 17t" Street.
Any person desiring to appeal this decision to a court of'record may do so within 'DO days after
the filing of this decision.
Done this 26th day of August, 2015.
Erin Cain
Secretary to the Board
Shelby R el