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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Exception to Off-Street Parking Space Dimensions on the properties located at 2700, 2702, 2718, and 2728 Lincoln Way, 112 & 114 S. Hyland Avenue, and 115 S. Sheldon AvenueCITY OF AMES, IOWA IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF RIVER CADDIS DEVELOPMENT FOR AN EXCEPTION TO OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE DIMENSIONS, § 29.406(9)(c), AMES MUNICIPAL CODE, ON THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 2700, 2702, 2718, AND 2728 LINCOLN WAY, 112 AND 114 S. HYLAND AVENUE, AND 115 S. SHELDON AVENUE. FACTS CASE INV. 10-14 �i NOV CITY CLERK GEOCODE NO. 09-09-102-030, 09-09- 102-040, 09-09-102-020, 09-09-102-090, 09-09-102-080, 09-09-102-070, 09-09- 102-050 DECISION & ORDER The properties at issue are zoned Campustown Service Center (CSC) (zoning pending at time of hearing). The developer of the 1.8 acre site is in the process of seeking a number of related entitlements for the development of a large mixed -use student housing project for the 2700 Block of Lincoln Way. The development proposal consists of ground level commercial uses and a hotel lobby along Lincoln Way. The Sheldon frontage includes commercial uses, apartment lobby and leasing offices, bike valet, and the entrance to the parking structure. The Hyland ground floor frontage includes the hotel rooms and the access to the surface parking area of the project. All of the parking is located to the south behind the building in the aforementioned surface lot and underground parking structure. Residential apartments are proposed on the 2nd to 5th floors of the building. Parking in the CSC zoning district is required for all of the residential uses at a rate of 1 space for every apartment and hotel room. The commercial uses have no required parking. The developer requests the parking space dimension exception to allow for additional sidewalk walk width along the Lincoln Way frontage that otherwise would not be able to be accommodated by the developer with the proposed project. The site plan, project description, applicable law, and findings of fact and conclusions were reviewed in detail by City Planner Karen Marren. She explained that City staff has reviewed the request and recommends that the Board approve the request for an exception to Section 29.406(9)(c) of the Zoning Ordinance to allow for a smaller (9' by 18') parking stall dimension than required in Table 29.406(9)-1. Jay Fourniea, Opus AE Group, L.L.C., Minnetonka, MN, was sworn in and testified under oath. Mr. Fourniea pointed out the compact parking spots on the site plan that were labeled with a "c". He stated that five of the surface spots would be designated for compact cars and each will be identified with a sign or ground marking. Chuck Winkleblack, was sworn in and testified under oath. Mr. Winkleblack stated that the majority of the space will be for residents, and it is predicted that the valet attendant will be moving cars more often than the residents moving their own. He stated that developers are working with the Campustown Action Association to ensure a better walkway along Lincoln Way, and this would be for the greater good of the City. DECISION The Board considers the evidence and testimony submitted at the public hearing, and the facts as detailed above, and finds that a strict application would result in unnecessary practical difficulties, and authorizes an exception the parking stall dimensions in Table 29.406(9)-1 (a 9'x18' parking stall, instead of the 9'x19' required by the Table), per Ames Municipal Code section 29.406(9)(c). WHEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that the applicant is GRANTED, section 29.406(9)(c) of the Ames Municipal Code, an exception to the parking stall dimensions in Table 29.406(9)-1, for the properties located at 2700, 2702, 2718, and 2728 Lincoln Way, 112 and 114 S. Hyland Avenue, and 115 S. Sheldon Avenue. Any person desiring to appeal this decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after the filing of this decision. Done this 28th day of September, 2016. Heidi Petersen Secretary to the Board Matthew Koehler Acting Chair