HomeMy WebLinkAboutA4 ITEM #: 3
DATE: 10-12-16
CITY OF AMES
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND HOUSING
REPORT TO THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
DATE PREPARED: October 5, 2016
CASE FILE NO.: ZBA 16-15
REQUEST: To Approve a Special Use Permit for Rebuilding of a Damaged
Nonconforming Structure.
PROPERTY OWNER: A & D Partnership
CONTACT: Scott Renaud, Fox Engineering Associates
LOCATION: 301 S. 4th Street
ZONING: "RH" (Residential High Density)
BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Project Description. The request by the property owner (applicant) is for approval of a
Special Use Permit to Rebuild a Damaged Nonconforming Structure in a Residential
Zone, located at 301 S. 4th Street (see Attachment A: Location & Zoning Map). A full
description of non-conformities is provided later in the report. The property at 301 S. 4th
Street is the site where, on June 6, 2016, a three-story, 33-unit apartment building was
severely damaged by fire, and was subsequently demolished by the property owner,
due to the extensive fire damage (see Attachment C: Approved Site Plan, Attachment
E: Exterior Elevations of Original Building &Attachment 1: Oblique Aerial Photos).
The prior building was constructed in 1984 within a "G-C" (General Commercial) zoning
district that no longer exists. The site is now zoned "RH" (Residential High Density),
reflecting the use of the site, but the site does not meet a number of current
development standards related to site layout for the building location and site
improvements for parking and landscaping. This Special Use Permit application is
specifically in relation to the reconstruction of the apartment building in
relationship to the non-conformities related to the structure itself, this includes
the rear setback, total parking spaces, side yard setback, and location of parking
in front yard. In the event the Special Use Permit is denied, the property owner
would be required to redevelop the site in conformance with all of the current
development and building standards of the City. Additional non-conformities are
to be minimized and improved as practical in addition to the approval of the
reconstruction of the structure.
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The applicant wishes to rebuild the apartment building, Oakridge Apartments, on the
foundation of the former building, which was salvaged during demolition of the above-
ground portion of the building. An expansion of the original building is also proposed
with its reconstruction. The addition is a 10' by 22' (a 220 square foot addition to the
building footprint), next to the southwest corner of the existing foundation (see
Attachment F: Proposed Site Plan). The mix of one, two, three and four bedroom units
would change in the proposed apartment building, as described in this report (see
Attachment G: Floor Plans). There is a proposed reduction in the total number of
dwelling units from 33 previous units to 24 units in the new building. The total number
of bedrooms would be reduced, as well, from 69 to 67 bedrooms. The number of
parking spaces would also be reduced from 65 to 59 total spaces.
Both buildings are 3-story, with a basement level exposed on the south side of the
building. However, the proposed apartment building is designed with a flat roof (see
Attachment E: Exterior Elevations of Original Building & Attachment H: Exterior
Elevations of the Proposed Building). The former apartment building was constructed
with a 4/12 pitched roof supporting a more residential appearance with its very basic
design and material treatments. The pitched is more in keeping with the smaller multi-
family and single family structures that exist along S. 4th Street. The 1-story commercial
building to the north has a flat roof. The exterior finishes of the new building are vinyl
lap siding, with treated wood balconies This is similar in design to the original apartment
building.
Proposed Site Changes. Minimal changes are proposed on the remainder of the site
(see Attachment F: Proposed Site Plan). The existing parking lot and fences on all
three sides of the parking lot will remain. It is the intention of the applicant to resurface
the existing parking surface, without removing the entire existing asphalt surface.
Sections of the parking surface, in need of repair, will be completely replaced. Interior
parking lot landscaping includes two medians, 7.5' wide, planted with shrubs and trees.
The applicant proposes to remove one of three trees on each median, and to replace all
of the existing shrubs with vines as the ground cover. The existing foundation plantings,
next the front of the building, including understory trees and shrubs, are planned for
removal. A mix of coniferous and deciduous shrubs are planned as replacements for
the foundation plantings. Three new parking spaces are proposed on the lower level of
the site, accessed from S. 5th Street, and the number of handicap-accessible parking
spaces would be increased from one to three, including one that is van-accessible, to
meet the current ADA requirements.
History of Site Development. The original Site Plan was approved, and a building
permit was obtained for construction of the apartment building in 1984. The Site Plan
was later revised in 1986, to add landscaping along the north perimeter of the parking
lot (see Attachment C: Approved Revised Site Plan Oakridge Apartments). Zoning, at
the time of approval of the site plan was "G-C"(General Commercial), which allowed
`residential', as a permitted use. The site was later rezoned to "RH"(Residential High
Density) in May, 2000, which allows apartment buildings as a permitted use.
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Zoning & Land Use of Surrounding Properties. The surrounding neighborhood is a
mix of zoning and land uses (see Attachment A: Location & Zoning Map). Zoning of
property to the north, east and west is "S-SMD"(South Lincoln Sub Area Mixed-Use
District). Properties to the south and southeast of the site are zoned as "RH"
(Residential High Density). Land use consists of single-family dwellings along both
sides of S. 4th Street. Commercial service and retail uses are located north and east of
the site. South of the site are large apartment buildings that line the north side of S. 5th
Street.
Nonconforming Structure. In accordance with Section 29.307(3)(c)(ii) of the
Municipal Code: "Any nonconforming structure damaged to the extent of more than 70%
of its assessed value may not be rebuilt, repaired, or used unless the rebuilt structure
conforms with all regulations of the district in which it is located or unless the Zoning
Board of Adjustment approves the reconstruction by granting a Special Use Permit after
determining that restoration will be made to the fullest extent possible in conformance
with applicable zoning standards."
The following nonconforming site features, are directly related to the proposed
apartment building:
• Rear Yard Setback. The distance between the building foundation for the
apartment building that was destroyed and the rear (east) property line, varies
from 11.75' at the northeast corner of the site to 11.20' at the southeast corner
(See Attachment C: Approved Revised Site Plan Oakridge Apartments). At the
time of site plan approval, the property was zoned as "G-C"(General
Commercial), which required a minimum rear yard setback of 10'. The current
zoning, "RH"(Residential High Density), requires a minimum rear yard setback of
25'. Since the rear yard setback of the existing building foundation is less than
the required 25' minimum, the rear yard setback is nonconforming for a new
apartment building constructed on the existing building foundation.
• Side Yard Setback. The distance between the building foundation for the
apartment building that was destroyed and the side (north) property line, varies
from 10.10 feet at the northwest corner to 9.3 feet at the northeast corner (See
Attachment C: Approved Revised Site Plan Oakridge Apartments). At the time of
site plan approval, the property was zoned as "G-C"(General Commercial), which
required a minimum side yard setback of 5'. The current zoning, "RH"
(Residential High Density), requires a minimum side yard setback of 10' for 3-
story buildings. Since the side yard setback of the existing building foundation is
less than the required 10' minimum, the side yard setback is nonconforming for a
new apartment building constructed on the existing building foundation.
• Front Yard Parking. The original approved site plan for the apartment building,
placed parking for the apartment building in the front yard, which is the open
space in that portion of a yard between the street and the face of the structure. At
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the time of site plan approval, the "G-C" zoning of the site permitted front yard
parking. The current zoning, "RH", prohibits front yard parking for new apartment
buildings. Given the fact that the parking lot for the site currently exists in the
front yard, and the developer proposes to leave the parking at its current location,
the front yard parking on the site is nonconforming for a new apartment building
constructed, on the existing building foundation (See Attachment C: Approved
Revised Site Plan Oakridge Apartments).
• Total Number of Parking Spaces. The total number of parking spaces required
for the original building was 62 spaces for 33 units with a total of 69 bedrooms. A
total of 65 spaces (including 3 off-site) were provided with the original building.
The current zoning ordinance would require a total of 74 parking spaces, which is
a difference of 9 (74-65=9) fewer spaces provided than what would be required
by the current standards.
The total number of parking spaces required for the proposed apartment building
is 67 spaces for 24 units configured with 2,3, and 4 bedroom units that total 67
bedrooms. A total of 56 parking spaces are proposed on the new site plan with
the continued use of 3 remote parking spaces that exist immediately to the south
of the site, which is a difference of 8 (67-56-3=8) fewer spaces provided than
what is required by the current zoning standards. The three off-site parking
spaces are also considered a nonconformity as remote parking is not permitted
within the "RH" zoning district. Therefore, the number of parking spaces
provided with the approved site plan, and with the proposed site plan, does not
meet the current zoning standards, which means the number of parking spaces
provided on site is nonconforming.
Other Nonconforming Site Features and Efforts to Bring into Compliance. There
are a number of other nonconforming site features, which were part of the approved site
plan. These nonconformities have been documented, and the applicant has eliminated
some of the nonconformities, while others remain in the proposed site plan. The
nonconforming site features include the following (see Attachment C:Approved Revised
Site Plan Oakridge Apartments):
• Parking Space Dimensions. The length of parking spaces is 0.5' to 2.0' less than
required by current zoning standard, meaning the stall depth is as low as 17 feet
where 19 feet is currently required. No changes are proposed by the applicant.
• Compact Parking Dimensions. Of the 12 compact parking spaces, only 2 meet
the minimum required dimensions. No changes are proposed by the applicant.
• Handicap-Accessible Parking. One space was provided in the approved site
plan. Current zoning standards require three spaces. The applicant is proposing
three handicap-accessible parking spaces in the proposed site plan, which meets
the current zoning and ADA requirements.
• Drive Aisle Dimensions. The width of the drive aisle between the end of two
parking lot medians, and the west edge of the drive aisle, is 10' less than the
minimum required width of 24'. No changes are proposed by the applicant.
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• Perimeter Parkinq Lot Landscaping. Landscape strips along the north, south,
and west perimeters of the parking lot do not meet the minimum requirements for
a minimum width of 5', and for the numbers of trees and shrubs required. No
changes are proposed by the applicant.
• Sidewalk Between the Main Building Entrance & the Street. An on-site sidewalk,
a minimum of 5' wide, is to connect the main entrance of the building to the
street. No changes are proposed by the applicant.
• Remote Parking. At the time of approval of the site plan, three parking spaces
located on the property adjacent to the site, were approved as part of the site
plan. An agreement was signed by the two property owners agreeing to use of
the three remote parking spaces. Remote parking is not permitted in the current
"RH" zoning of the site. The three remote spaces are included in the total of 59
spaces in the new development. No changes are proposed by the applicant.
• Stacked Parkinq. The approved site plan included 8 parking spaces. located
under the apartment building, and accessed from S. 5t" Street. Four of the eight
parking spaces meet current zoning standards. The other four parking spaces
under the former building were designed for stacked (tandem) parking, where
one car would be parked in front of another. The two stacked spaces measured
40' in length to accommodate two cars in each 40' space. No parking spaces are
proposed under the building in the proposed building and site plans.
Comparison of Standards for Original & Proposed Developments. The table found
on the following page provides a brief description of zoning standards for development
at the time of construction of the original apartment building, and current zoning
standards as applied to both the original and proposed apartment buildings.
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Comparison of Standards for Original & Proposed Developments
Original Development Proposed Development
1984 2016
Zonm d RH � .g
!(General C.ornmeraal (Resid.entialHi fi Density) ,,.
38 Lot Area,;', ;868'sq. fit: ;n 38,868 sq;kafit
Maximum Allowed ; 33'dwefling units 34 dwelling units
Densit
Actual/P'roposed Densit ,'; ;;;33 dwellin units 24 dwellm ;nits
Minimum RequiredAl
$uiIdin µSetbacks
• Front Yard 20' 25'
• Rear Yard 10, 25'
(20' if abutting residential
• Side Yard 5' with a minimum of 15' 6' for one story
between structures on 8' for two story
adjacent properties. 10' for three story
20' if abutting a street, or 12' for four story
residential district. 4' additional for
each story over 4
Actual Buildin Setbacks
a
• Front Yard 110.5' 95'
• Rear Yard 11.20' to 11.75' 11.20' to 11.75'
• Side Yard North: 9.3' to 10.1' North: 9.3' to 10.1'
South:
Maximnni Building Height 4 stone°s,�or�50' 180' or�9 stories;
� t k is� .wer. whichever . „� ..
Actual Build m
_ng Herg�ht`.' 3�stories° x �� �_, 3:stories .
B otp uilding-'Area{Forint) ; 10,419s : ft. ' ' .,n10.,639 s "eft.
Gross Floor Area ;" r '35, 9739 s . ft. 36;859 's :eft ,ra
To No:n,of Units 24
1-bedroom units 9 0
2-bedroom units 12 8
3-bedroom units 12 13
4-bedroom units 0 3
Total No of Bedrooms 69< :''.,` 67
,P ° 62 spaces sRequir .v .,.m
Standard Spaces 41 42
Compact Spaces 12 11
Handicap-Access. Spaces 1 3
Garage Spaces 8 0
Remote Parking Spaces 3 3
:Total Parkin yr ;r, 65 space-' provided 59 s aces pro osed (56
6
ProidedlPro osed s on„site, 3 off=site
APPLICABLE LAW:
It is the general policy of the City to allow uses, structures and lots that came into
existence legally, in conformance with then-applicable requirements, to continue to exist
and be put to productive use, but to mitigate adverse impact on conforming uses in the
vicinity. Reversion of nonconformity, once it becomes more compliant, is not permitted.
Section 29.307 establishes regulations governing uses, structures and lots that were
lawfully established but that do not conform to one or more existing requirements of this
Ordinance. No increase or creation of a nonconformity is to be permitted, unless
specifically allowed within this section.
The Zoning Ordinance includes a description of four types of nonconformities within
Section 29.307 that include non-conforming uses, nonconforming structures, non-
conforming lots, and other nonconformities for site improvements, such as landscaping,
parking configuration, fences, etc. Each type of nonconformity has specific allowances
for keeping a nonconformity, and when it must be brought into compliance with the
Zoning Ordinance.
In this case we are dealing with a nonconforming principal structure and a number of
"other non conformities". Other nonconformities relate to parking requirements and
landscape areas and walkways and are to be improved as practical, but no increase in
nonconformity is permitted. With regards to the structure, the following applies:
Chapter 29, Section 29.307(3)(c)(ii) states the following:
(3) Nonconforming Structures. A nonconforming structure that lawfully occupies a
site on the effective date of this Ordinance that does not conform with the Zone
Development Standards of the underlying Zone or the General Development
Standards of this Ordinance may be used and maintained, subject to the
standards and limitations of this Section.
(c) Restoration of a Damaged Nonconforming Structure.
(ii) Any nonconforming structure damaged to the extent of more than 70%
of its assessed value may not be rebuilt, repaired, or used unless the
rebuilt structure conforms with all regulations of the district in which it is
located or unless the Zoning Board of Adjustment approves the
reconstruction by granting a Special Use Permit after determining that
restoration will be made to the fullest extent possible in conformance
with applicable zoning standards.
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Chapter 29, Section 29.1503(4)(a),(b),and(e) of the Municipal Code states the following:
(4) Review Criteria. Before a Special Use Permit application can be approved, the
Zoning Board of Adjustment shall establish that the following general standards,
as well as the specific standards outlined in subsection (b) below, where
applicable, have been or shall be satisfied. The Board's action shall be based on
stated findings of fact. The conditions imposed shall be construed as limitations
on the power of the Board to act. A mere finding that a use conforms to those
conditions or a recitation of those conditions, unaccompanied by specific findings
of fact, shall not be considered findings of fact for the purpose of complying with
this Ordinance.
(a) General Standards. The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall review each
application for the purpose of determining that each proposed use meets the
following standards, and in addition, shall find adequate evidence that each use
in its proposed location will: (The standards are listed in this report below.)
(b) Residential Zone Standards. The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall review
each application for the purpose of determining that each proposed use in a
commercial zone meets the following standards..." (The standards are listed in
this report below.)
(e) Conditions. The Board may impose such additional conditions it deems
necessary for the general welfare, for the protection of individual property rights,
and for ensuring that the intent and objectives of this Ordinance will be
maintained.
STATEMENT OF APPLICANT IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSAL: The applicant has
provided the attached application including statements as to how the proposed structure
meets the requirements for a Special Use Permit.
FINDINGS OF FACT & CONCLUSIONS:
Based upon the submitted site and architectural plans and in addition to the facts
provided in the application, the following findings of fact and conclusions may be made
regarding the standards of approval.
General Standards.
(i) Be harmonious with and in accordance with the general principles and
proposals of the Land Use Policy Plan of the City.
Findings of Fact: The subject property is designated as "High-Density
Residential" on the Land Use Policy Plan (LUPP) Future Land Use Map (see
Attachment B: LUPP Future Land Use Map). The zoning is "RH" (Residential
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High Density). Properties to the south and east of the site are also designated as
"High-Density Residential " on the LUPP Map. The land to the north and west is
designated as "South Lincoln Sub-Area Mixed Use District." Existing
development complies with the Zoning and Future Land Use Maps. The LUPP
(Chapter 2) includes goals for development to be compatible with its
surroundings and to create desirable living environments.
Conclusions: The subject property has been occupied by a multiple residential
use since it was constructed in 1984, as a permitted use. This is an area of the
community characterized by large multiple family structures in the "RH" zone.
Rebuilding of the apartment building on the site should have no greater impact
on the surrounding neighborhood than was the case with the previous apartment
building that was destroyed. In this case, the reconstructed structure is most
closely located to rear areas of abutting commercial areas that do not appear to
be influenced by the apartment building. It can be concluded that the property
meets General Standard (i) for a Special Use Permit.
Be designed, constructed, operated and maintained so as to be
harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing and intended
character of the general vicinity and that such a use will not change the
essential character of the area in which it is proposed.
Findings of Fact: The property owner proposes to rebuild the structure very
similar in overall size and shape to the previous apartment building (see
Attachment G: Floor Plans of Proposed Building & Attachment H: Exterior
Elevations of Proposed Building). The previous structure had a pitched roof,
whereas, the new structure is proposed with a flat roof. The new structure will be
constructed on the building foundation from the previous building, and will be
slightly larger with an addition, measuring 22' by 10', planned for the southwest
corner of the building.
The plan includes a change in bedrooms and parking, the applicant has reduced
the overall number of parking spaces on the site, but believes they meet this
requirement because the increment of deficiency has not increased with the
proposal. The deficiency was calculated as 9 parking spaces for the old
apartment building and will be 8 parking spaces for the new plan. The plan
continues to rely upon 3 remote parking spaces and the configuration of parking
between the building and the street in the front yard. The exposure of the
parking to the front yard is minimal along the street due to the minimal amount of
street frontage.
The minimum required building setbacks for the east property line are 25 feet
and for the north side it is 10 feet, where approximately 11 to 12 feet is provided
in the east and approximately 9 to10 feet, to the north. The building is situated
away from other properties principal uses and the provided setbacks do allow for
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some separation and landscaping from the abutting commercial properties. No
usable open space was part of the prior plan, or this plan.
Conclusions: Since the property owner proposes to maintain the existing
residential scale and appearance, which is compatible with its immediate
surroundings, and does not increase any other nonconformities for parking, it
can be concluded that the property meets General Standard (ii) for a
Special Use Permit.
Not be hazardous or disturbing to existing or future uses in the same
general vicinity.
Findings of Fact: A sprinkler system, to meet Fire Code, is required for the
proposed apartment building. The rear yard setback will remain nonconforming,
as the existing building foundation will be utilized for the new structure. The
current "RH" zoning requires a 25' minimum rear yard setback. The existing
setback of the building foundation from the rear (east) property line is between
11' and 12'. Fire Code requirements include an aerial fire apparatus access road
a minimum of 26' wide located within 15 to 30 feet of the building for buildings
that exceed 30 feet in height, as measured from the grade next to the building to
the top of the parapet wall, for buildings with flat roofs and parapets. The height
of the proposed building exceeds 30 feet, although lower in height than the
previous building. The existing configuration of the parking lot, prohibits
compliance with these Fire Code requirements, without completely reconfiguring
the parking lot, and likely reducing the overall size of the building. The Fire
Department will have one point of truck access in the middle aisle of the parking
lot, but not along the entire building length.
Conclusions: The City Fire Inspector has determined that an alternative means of
compliance to meeting the Fire Code requirements, for an aerial fire apparatus
access road, is to require roof access in each of the two stairwells for the
building, and to require that standpipes also be located in the stairwells.
Although the rear yard setback will remain the same as for the previous structure,
the addition of a sprinkler system throughout the building will serve to reduce any
fire hazard for uses in the same general vicinity. Locating the new structure in
the same location as the previous structure, in relation to the distance from the
north, east, and south property lines will serve to not disturb future uses to any
greater extent than the structure that was destroyed. Therefore, it can be
concluded that the property meets General Standard (iii) for a Special Use
Permit.
(iv) Be served adequately by essential public facilities and services such as
highways, streets, police, fire protection, drainage structures, refuse
disposal, water and sewage facilities, and/or schools.
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Findings of Fact: No additional public services will be required for the new
structure. It can be served by existing infrastructure.
Conclusions: This property is already served by essential public facilities and
services. Therefore, it can be concluded that the property meets General
Standard (iv) for a Special Use Permit.
(v) Not create excessive additional requirements at public cost for public
facilities or services.
Findings of Fact: No changes are proposed for the site that would increase
requirements for public facilities or services.
Conclusions: The new structure will not create additional requirements at a public
cost for public facilities. Therefore, it can be concluded that the property
meets General Standard (v) for a Special Use Permit.
(vi) Not involve uses, activities, processes, materials, and equipment or
conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any person, property, or
general welfare by reason of excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke,
fumes, glare, or odors.
Findings of Fact: The proposed use will not produce glare or odors that would be
detrimental to any person, property, or general welfare.
Conclusions: The proposed use will not create any additional traffic, noise,
smoke, fumes, glare, or odors from the site. Therefore, it can be concluded
that the property meets General Standard (vi) for a Special Use Permit.
(vii) Be consistent with the intent and purpose of the Zone in which it is
proposed to locate such use.
Findings of Fact: The site is zoned "RH", and intended for high density household
living. The proposed structure is nonconforming to the current zoning standards
in terms of the rear and side yard setbacks, front yard parking, and the total
number of parking spaces proposed for the site.
Conclusions: The principal use of the site as household living is a permitted use
for the property. However, the proposed structure is "nonconforming," to the
City's development standards that are the minimum expectations for intended
design and improvements of a site. The former residential structure was
approved and constructed under an appropriate zoning classification, which was
"G-C"(General Commercial), at the time of site plan approval. Section
29.307(3)(c)(ii) allows for granting a Special Use Permit to allow a
nonconforming structure to be rebuilt, as long as the Zoning Board of Adjustment
determines that the restoration will be made to the fullest extent possible in
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conformance with applicable zoning standards. Although the nonconforming
structure does not meet criteria for the base zone, since the structure is
"nonconforming," it does meet the intent of the Zoning Ordinance as described
for reconstruction of a non-conforming structure in that the nonconformities to the
site and structure are reduced and that the findings for the Special Use Permit
can be made. On this basis, it can be concluded that the property meets the
General Standard (vii) for a Special Use Permit.
Residential Zone Standards.
(1) Not create excessively higher levels of traffic than the predominant pattern
in the area and not create additional traffic from the proposed use that
would change the street classification and such traffic shall not lower the
level of service at area intersections.
Findings of Fact: The proposed reconstructed apartment building will contain
fewer dwelling units, and fewer bedrooms, than the previous building at this
location, thus not increasing the level of vehicular traffic in the area. There is
adequate capacity on S. 4t" Street to accommodate traffic from the rebuilt
apartment building.
Conclusions: Traffic volumes from this reconstructed apartment building will likely
remain very close to what existed, prior to destruction of the previous building.
The street network will be able maintain the current street classification and level
of service once this new structure is occupied. It can be concluded that the
development meets Residential Zone Standard (i) for a Special Use Permit.
(ii) Not create a noticeably different travel pattern than the predominant
pattern in the area. Special attention must be shown to deliveries or service
trips in a residential zone that are different than the normal to and from
work travel pattern in the residential area.
Findings of Fact: The driveway serving this facility is located at the east end of S.
4t" Street. Residents, visitors, and deliveries to the site will use this entrance, as
was the case for the previous development. Visitors can use the parking lot at the
main entrance on the west side of the building.
Conclusions: The proposed use will not create a noticeably different travel
pattern off-site than the predominant pattern in the area. On-site traffic is well-
established with the internal use of the site as well as deliveries from external
vendors. It can be concluded that the development meets Residential Zone
Standard (ii) for a Special Use Permit.
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Not generate truck trips by trucks over 26,000 g.v.w. (gross vehicle weight)
to and from the site except for waste collection vehicles, food delivery
vehicles, and moving vans.
Findings of Fact: The only trucks normally expected at the site are for trash
collection and moving vans, which was the case for the previous structure on the
site.
Conclusions: It can be concluded that the development meets Residential
Zone Standard (iii) for a Special Use Permit.
(iv) Not have noticeably different and disruptive hours of operation.
Findings of Fact: The use of the site is not changing with rebuilding of the
apartment building that was destroyed. The times of the year, and hours that are
more active on the site will remain the same as for the previous structure, since
the use of the site is not changing.
Conclusions: It can be concluded that the development meets Residential
Zone Standard (iv) for a Special Use Permit.
(v) Be sufficiently desirable for the entire community that the loss of
residential land is justifiable in relation to the benefit.
Findings of Fact: The use of the site will remain as multiple-family residential.
Conclusions: This standard is not applicable to the proposed rebuild of a
nonconforming residential structure, since there is no loss of residential land at
this location.
(vi) Be compatible in terms of structure placement, height, orientation, or scale
with the predominate building pattern in the area.
Findings of Fact: The site is at the end of a dead end local street that has smaller
scale single-family and multi-family structures along the north and south side of
the street and there are larger apartment buildings further south. The area has a
very traditional residential appearance with pitched roofs and horizontal siding as
exterior building materials. Buildings along S. 4th Street are lower in scale with
most buildings one and two stories, the apartment buildings further to the south
and east are larger in size and typically three stories.
The rebuilt apartment building will have very similar massing as the previous
building, with the primary difference being a flat roof, as opposed to a pitched
roof, and an addition to the footprint of the previous structure that will add
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approximately 220 square feet to the footprint of the structure. The side and rear
setbacks will be the same as for the previous building, and the front setback will
decrease from approximately 110.5' to approximately 95', with the addition
planned to the southwest corner of the existing building foundation. The
orientation of the building will remain the same as for the previous building.
Conclusions: The primary issues are the location of the building for setbacks and
the existence of front yard parking as nonconformities. The design does not
increase the height of the building along the nonconforming setbacks, or create
additional front yard parking in relation to the building location. The one
difference is the change of the roof type to flat versus pitched, which is not a
common feature in this area. Due to the site context with commercial areas
abutting the site to the east and north there are no significant impacts to the
surroundings for separation, landscaped areas, noise, privacy, shadow effect, or
other issues addressed by setbacks. The on-site residents will have minimal
screening and separation from the properties to the east, but there is no
identified condition on the east property that would be particularly disturbing to
the new residents with the reduced setback or lack of larger open space in the
rear of the site. Maintaining trees, and adding to the number of trees, within the
rear setback will also help to soften the reduced setback. The limited exposure
along S. 4t" Street, to front yard parking, will not be detrimental to the
surrounding character, and existing conditions.
The placement, height, scale, and massing, of the proposed building contribute
to the compatibility of the building with the residential surroundings. It can be
concluded that the development meets Residential Zone Standard (vi) for a
Special Use Permit.
(vii) Be located on the lot with a greater setback or with landscape buffering to
minimize the impact of the use on adjacent property.
Findings of Fact: Apartment buildings do not require greater setbacks than other
uses in the zoning district, but the proposed setback is nonconforming. The
Special Use Permit is to allow for reconstruction of the structure, without
conformance to the minimum required rear yard, and side yard setbacks. The
proposed site plan uses the existing foundation for the reconstructed building.
No changes are proposed to perimeter landscaping on the site. The existing
fences along the north and west property lines will remain.
Conclusions: The purpose of granting the Special Use Permit, in this case, is to
allow reconstruction of a nonconforming structure on the site, without meeting all
required minimum building setbacks. As determined earlier, that although there is
a reduced setback it can be found that there is no significant impact to the
adjacent properties. Therefore, it can be concluded that the development
meets Residential Zone Standard (vii) for a Special Use Permit.
14
(viii) Be consistent with all other applicable standards in the zone.
Findings of Fact: The Ames Development Review Committee (DRC) has
reviewed the proposed site plan and determined it to be in compliance with
applicable General Development standards, the standards of the "RH" zoning
district, and other city standards except for the nonconforming site features
identified in this report. The property owner has eliminated the nonconformities
associated with handicap-accessible parking and stacked parking that was part
of the former garages. In this case, the rebuilt structure will continue the use of a
site with a number of dimensional deficiencies for parking and landscaping that
can only be corrected with full redevelopment of the site.
The site is not a platted lot. The property owner needs to have a Plat of Survey
approved for the site to allow it to meet lot requirements of the City. A condition
requiring the Plat of Survey is included with this approval.
Conclusions: There are no additional means of increasing compliance for the site
with the proposed reconstruction. With a determination that the reconstruction
meets the other criteria of a Special Use Permit, as it relates to the proposed
building, it can be concluded that the development meets Residential Zone
Standard (viii) for a Special Use Permit.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Notification was made to all owners of property within 200 feet. In addition, a notice
of public hearing was placed on the subject property.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The Zoning Board of Adjustment can approve this request for a Special Use
Permit to allow Rebuilding of a Damaged Nonconforming Structure in a
Residential Zone, at 301 S. 4th Street, with the following conditions:
A. That a Plat of Survey be approved by the City Council, and copies of the
recorded documents be received by the City Clerk's Office, prior to approval
of the Minor Site Development Plan.
B. Maintain the three existing trees in the rear setback, east of the building, and
add four additional trees. Approval of the location and species of the trees by
the Planning & Housing Department is required, prior to finalizing revisions to
the Landscape Plan.
2. The Zoning Board of Adjustment can deny this request for a Special Use Permit
to allow Rebuilding of a Damaged Nonconforming Structure at 301 S. 4th Street,
15
by finding that the project does not meet the criteria of Section 29.1503(4) and/or
Section 29.307(3)(c)(ii).
3. The Zoning Board of Adjustment can refer this request back to the applicant or to
City staff for additional information.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The site includes a number of deficiencies compared to existing standards that will not
be remedied without redevelopment of the entire site. Most of these are issues related
to the convenience of use and appearance in terms of layout of the parking lot and
separation from other properties. The issues of fire access and safety is improved with
fire sprinklers as part of the new building and an alternative means of fire access that is
needed to allow the structure to be rebuilt in its current location. Staff concludes that
the proposed Special Use Permit request to allow rebuilding of a damaged
nonconforming structure in a Residential Zone, at 301 S. 4th Street, can be found
consistent with the standards required for granting of a Special Use Permit. Therefore,
based upon the Findings of Fact and Conclusions above, it is the
recommendation of the Department of Planning and Housing that the Zoning
Board of Adjustment act in accordance with Alternative #1, including Conditions
A. and B.
16
ATTACHMENT A: LOCATION &ZONING MAP
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17
ATTACHMENT B: LUPP FUTURE LAND USE MAP
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